Queen Elizabeth II turns 90 years old today. She was born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary on April 21, 1926 to Prince Albert, Duke of York, and Elizabeth, Duchess of York. Her father ascended to the British throne when King Edward VIII abdicated in 1936. Elizabeth’s father took the name George VI. Elizabeth became Queen when he died in 1952.
The Queen’s “official” birthday celebration is in June, however. The monarch’s official birthday is a tradition kept since 1748, and was begun as a reaction to the weather. June is a better month than most to hold a parade.
In honor of Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday, Buzzfeed has a collection of photographs from her life, from her christening as an infant to a portrait with her five great-grandchildren.
Keeping Up with the Queen is an interactive site that invites you to enter your age and find out what Queen Elizabeth was doing at that age. Of course, you can enter any number up to 90.
Despite the "official" parade scheduled for June, Elizabeth has a full shedule of events for her actual birthday.