Elizabeth II

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Elizabeth II (1926– ) Queen of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (1952– ), daughter and successor of George VI. Elizabeth married Philip Mountbatten in 1947, and the couple had four children, Charles (Prince of Wales), Anne, Andrew, and Edward. Her coronation (June 2, 1953) was the first to be televised. Elizabeth travels extensively, especially in the Commonwealth. Expanded media coverage demystified the monarchy and encouraged criticism of her personal wealth (2001 est. £1.1 billion), and the behaviour of the younger royals. In 1993, she voluntarily agreed to pay income tax. The marriage failures of her children, particular that of Charles to Diana, intensified public criticism. In 2002, Elizabeth celebrated her Golden Jubilee.

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Elizabeth II

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Elizabeth II