Key dates in the life of Queen Elizabeth II

Apr 21, 2006, 8:09 GMT

London - The following are key dates marking the highs and lows in the life of Queen Elizabeth II:

April 21, 1926: Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, the present Queen Elizabeth II, is born in London.

August 21, 1930: Princess Margaret Rose is born.

January 20, 1936: George V, Elizabeth' grandfather, dies and is succeeded by Edward VIII.

December 11, 1936: Edward VIII abdicates; Elizabeth is now Heir Presumptive.

May 12, 1937: George VI and Queen Elizabeth are crowned in Westminster Abbey.

April 1945: Princess Elizabeth joins the Auxiliary Territorial Service.

November 20, 1947: Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, marry at Westminster Abbey.

November 14, 1948: Their first child, Charles Philip Arthur George, is born at Buckingham Palace.

February 6, 1952: George VI dies in his sleep at Sandringham Castle. Elizabeth accedes to the throne.

June 2, 1953: The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey.

November 24, 1953: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip begin their first Commonwealth tour.

February 19, 1960: Prince Andrew Albert Christian Edward is born.

March 10, 1964: Prince Edward is born.

June 1977: Silver Jubilee celebrations.

July 29, 1981: Prince Charles marries Lady Diana Spencer.

August 28, 1996: Prince Charles and Princess Diana divorce.

August 31, 1997: Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash.

February 9, 2002: Princess Margaret dies, aged 71.

March 30, 2002: Queen Elizabeth, the 'Queen Mum', dies, aged 101.

April 9, 2005: Prince Charles marries Camilla Parker Bowles who becomes Duchess of Cornwall.