Queen Elizabeth II

(1926- )

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the monarch of Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Canada and Australia. Elizabeth became queen in 1952 after her father, King George VI, died.

As Queen of both England and Australia Elizabeth II is our Head of State. In Australia, the Queen is represented by the Governor-General. Today, the Queen is often seen at parades, at the opening of Parliament and meeting the leaders of other countries.

The Queen's life is honoured on our banknotes and stamps, by a public holiday for her birthday and by the naming of many public places after her. Statues and pictures of her are found in many government buildings.

Queen Elizabeth II
(Westcott Collection, courtesy National Library of Australia)