1926: Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary is born

1926: Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary is born
HISTORIA/SHUTTERSTOCK

Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary of York was born on April 21, 1926. She’s pictured here with her mother, Elizabeth, the Duchess of York, who was the wife of Prince Albert “Bertie” of York. Since Bertie was the second-born son of the reigning monarch, King George V, no one, and least of all the princess, herself, had any clue Elizabeth would one day be queen. Here, she’s just a sweet firstborn daughter of the “spare” heir.

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A mum, a dad and a newborn princess

A mum, a dad and a newborn princess
UNIVERSAL HISTORY ARCHIVE/SHUTTERSTOCK

When Prince Albert (called “Bertie” by his friends and family) married Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon, the two became the Duke and Duchess of York. Here, the Duke and Duchess are pictured with their newborn, Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth of York.

1927: Lilibet at 14 months

1927: Lilibet at 14 months
HISTORIA/SHUTTERSTOCK

When Princess Elizabeth was learning to speak, she had trouble pronouncing her name, referring to herself as “Lilibet,” and the name stuck. Lilibet was a happy and friendly child and the darling of her grandparents, King George V and Queen Mary. Outgoing and plucky, Lilibet was one of the few people on the planet who wasn’t intimidated by the man she called “Grandpa England,” whom she led by his beard as if he were a horse, according to TIME.

Just out of the terrible twos

Just out of the terrible twos
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In this sweet family portrait from 1929, the Duke of York smiles at his toddler daughter, who sits on her mum’s lap.

Daddy’s in military garb; a princess salutes

Daddy’s in military garb; a princess salutes
AP/SHUTTERSTOCK

In this photo taken the summer of 1931, the Duke exits the car in military garb after his wife and daughter, while Princess Elizabeth salutes members of the military.

1932: Still a cosy, normal childhood

1932: Still a cosy, normal childhood
HISTORIA/SHUTTERSTOCK

Arriving at the Royal Tournament in 1932, Princess Elizabeth was dressed like the proper princess that she was, but she generally lived a quiet life outside the spotlight. Until the birth of her sister, Princess Margaret Ann, she played with the children of businessmen and doctors, as opposed to the children of royals. Princess Margaret was a playful influence on her sister, who was, as is often the case with older siblings, more conscientious and responsible.

Playing house

Playing house
HISTORIA/SHUTTERSTOCK

In their childhood, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret had an adorable miniature house that was a gift from the people of Wales. In this 1933 photo, the two princesses pose with their pups and their parents outside the tiny house.

The Princess bridesmaid

The Princess bridesmaid
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Young Princess Elizabeth was a bridesmaid at the November 1934 wedding of Prince George, Duke of Kent (a younger brother of George) to Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark. Elizabeth is pictured here with her dad, the Duke of York, but what’s most notable about this photo is that it was taken the same day Elizabeth first met her future husband, Philip Mountbatten, who was Prince of Greece and Denmark at the time.

Kids Day at the Horse Show

Kids Day at the Horse Show
UNCREDITED/AP/SHUTTERSTOCK

The Duke and Duchess of York and Princess Elizabeth arrive at the Richmond Horse Show for an array of Children’s Day events on June 14, 1935.

A family portrait from 1936

A family portrait from 1936
HISTORIA/SHUTTERSTOCK

As it turned out, 1936 would be an especially important year for this family, though they couldn’t have known it at the moment this photo was snapped. Earlier that year, King George V had died, and his firstborn son, King Edward VIII, had ascended to the throne. But it wasn’t to last.

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