As the country – and most corners of the world – mourns the loss of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, it is worth remembering the amazing chapters in her life that came before her coronation as Queen in 1953.
Her childhood, her teenage years and her wedding day are just three chapters of many that GLAMOUR UK have looked back on, marvelling at a truly extraordinary life lived.
At this sad time, here are just a few iconic memories from the Queen's life before the throne.
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Birthdays at Balmoral, September 1952
Before she became Queen, Elizabeth enjoyed her time as a Princess, mother and wife (among other things, including her work in the military). Prince Charles' fourth birthday was spent at her beloved Balmoral, pictured above, with Charles and Anne in adorable matching outfits.
Waving from a window, September 1952
Looking as demure as ever, Princess Elizabeth, Charles and Anne give us a playful greeting from behind a window. We particularly love her blazer and pearls combo.
Sisterly time in Windsor, April 1942
Over a decade before her time as Queen began, Elizabeth spent much time at Windsor and with her younger sister Princess Margaret.
Father-daughter-dog time, July 1936
Queen Elizabeth's love for corgis began way before she became our monarch. Here we see her sharing a lovely moment with her father George and two canine friends on a bench in the grounds of their London home, 145 Piccadilly.
Wedding day, November 1947
Elizabeth married Prince Philip while still a princess, in late 1947. Their long-sustaining love and admiration for each other is captured perfectly in this image of the newlyweds.
Holding her first child, Prince Charles, December 1948
Elizabeth became a mother for the first time at the age of 22, while she was still a princess, and four years before she became a monarch. Prince Charles was to be the first of her four children, and would one day succeed his mother to the throne.
Family life, July 1942
A wonderful scene – Elizabeth loved to spend quality time at Windsor's Royal Lodge with her father King George, mother Queen Elizabeth and her sister Princess Margaret, along with her trusty corgi with her side.
Family walks in Sandringham Park, July 1943
Elizabeth joins the Queen Mother, Princess Margaret and King George on a charming walk of Sandringham Park in Norfolk, which had been turned over for farming uses during the war.
King George and soon-to-be Queen Elizabeth, July 1946
Six years before her journey as a monarch begins, Elizabeth spends father-daughter time at Windsor Castle.
Plans are in place for the next 10 days.
Quality time at Windsor, July 1946
Complete with a corgi at her feet and her parents sharing a moment, Queen Elizabeth looks relaxed, though demure as ever, at Royal Lodge in Windsor.
Military work, 1945
Making history as the first female Royal to do so, Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service and trained as a driver and mechanic, a role she had to beg her father permission for.
Trooping of the Colour, June 1949
A horseback Princess Elizabeth shines as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards outside Buckingham Palace.
A moment between King and future Queen, July 1946
The royal father and daughter steal a moment of laughter and companionship in a beautiful garden.
Sisterly time, July 1946
The two Princesses enjoy a family trip to Windsor's Royal Lodge.
Learning the ropes, April 1942
Ten years before she is called to the throne, Princess Elizabeth watches her father King George work.
Puppy love, May 1944
A love that sustained Queen Elizabeth throughout her entire life is the love she had for her corgis. Here, she is seen holding her beloved Susan (also known as Sue).
Family picture, complete with canine friends, April 1940
King George, Queen Mother, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret pose at Windsor's Royal Lodge with the true stars of the show, their dogs: Ching, Carol and Crackers.
Few other rulers can claim to have overseen such a sweeping period of change.
