National Geographic published a collection of rare photos taken from the archives of Queen Elizabeth II, following Thursday’s death.
These photos show poignant events from the Queen’s seven-decade rule.
These images are captured what King Charles III called a “life of service” as the UK goes through a time of mourning.
Charles stated his first address to the throne on Friday: “Her devotion and dedication as sovereign never wavered through times change and progression, times of joy, celebration and sadness as well as times of sorrow and loss.”
Although she didn’t possess a driver’s license, Queen Elizabeth drives to Windsor Castle on Sunday in 1979. Elizabeth, as sovereign of Britain was legally able to drive without plates or licenses. She was a skilled driver and mechanic in the Royal Auxiliary Territorial Service, which she used to drive large vehicles such as ambulances and trucks during World War II.
Queen Elizabeth II watches as Winston Churchill’s former prime minister leaves the St. Paul’s Cathedral steps during Churchill’s 1965 funeral. Elizabeth was Elizabeth’s first queen when Churchill became the prime minister. She went on to have a total of 15 PMs including Liz Truss who she appointed Tuesday.
Queen Elizabeth II is seen looking at Charles her oldest son during Charles’ investiture as Prince of Wales, in Gwynedd. Wales, July 1, 1969. The Royal Queen gave Charles the ceremonial girdle. She also presented him with the coronet and the ring. Charles declared that he, Charles, Prince Of Wales, would be your liege man in life, limb, and earthly worship. Faith and truth will I bear to thee, so as not to offend any other people.
Queen Elizabeth II is presented with mementos by various people in Bryd Stadium, during the Maryland vs North Carolina football match at College Park (Maryland), October 19, 1957. When she visited America for the first time, Queen Elizabeth II requested to be able to watch an American football game. The Maryland Terrapins beat the North Carolina Tar Heels 21-7
The couple, Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II, embarked on a wooden yacht from Suva in Fiji shortly after becoming queen in December 1953. The three-day visit to Fiji was part of Queen Elizabeth II’s six-month Commonwealth tour, which marked the longest Royal tour in her seven-decade-long reign. Fijian leaders welcomed the Queen with silence as a sign of their great respect.
Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth II wave to the crowd from the balcony at their 1969 investiture at Caernarfon Castle as Prince of Wales. This title has been in the hands of the British heir-apparent for many centuries. After the Queen’s passing, King Charles III appointed Prince William as the new Prince Prince of Wales.
National Geographic has additional images from their archives, as well as more information about this story.