The royal family

Queen Elizabeth II is the head of the British royal family, married to the Duke of Edinburgh and her heir is Prince Charles. Elizabeth II has reigned longer than any other monarch in British history – her coronation took place on 2 June 1953. Elizabeth II was never meant to be queen, but following the abdication in 1936 of her uncle Edward VIII, who gave up the crown to marry Wallis Simpson, Elizabeth’s father became George VI and Elizabeth became heir to the throne. Prince William is second in line to succeed the queen and his son Prince George is third in line