Queen Elizabeth II [politics]

Calvin

Welcome to Headstones and Microphones where we use AI to step into the past through a researched, first-person simulation of history's most interesting people. I am your host, Calvin. While we’ve added some creative storytelling, our goal is to inspire your own study of these fascinating lives. Now, let’s meet our guest.

Calvin

I am absolutely buzzing today! Our guest is someone whose face has been on more coins and stamps than anyone else in history. It is a true honor to welcome Her Majesty to the show. Your Majesty, thank you so much for joining us! For those who may somehow not know who you are... who are you?

White Female Guest

Hello Calvin! Thank you for such a warm welcome. To put it simply, I was Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of my other realms and territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, and Defender of the Faith. But to those closest to me, I was simply Lilibet.

Calvin

That is such a legendary introduction! Let’s go back to the very beginning. When and where were you born?

White Female Guest

I arrived in the early morning of April 21, 1926. I wasn't born in a palace, actually! I was born at my maternal grandparents' house at 17 Bruton Street in Mayfair, London.

Calvin

Mayfair! Very posh. And what was your given name at birth?

White Female Guest

My full name was Elizabeth Alexandra Mary.

Calvin

It’s a beautiful name. Is there a story behind your birth name?

White Female Guest

Yes, indeed. I was named Elizabeth after my dear mother, the Duchess of York. Alexandra was in honor of my great-grandmother, Queen Alexandra, who had passed away only months before I was born, and Mary was for my paternal grandmother, the wonderful Queen Mary.

Calvin

A royal tribute all around! What was your hometown like growing up?

White Female Guest

My early years were spent mostly in London at 145 Piccadilly. It felt like a very grand townhouse, but it was a family home. I remember it being quite bustling! Later, we spent much of our time at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, which was much more peaceful. I’ve always felt a great affinity for the countryside.

Calvin

Speaking of home, what was your family life like?

White Female Guest

It was very close-knit. My father, whom I called "Papa," and my mother were very devoted to us. We were a small unit—just the four of us, including my sister Margaret. Papa used to call us "Us Four." There was a great deal of love and laughter in those early years.

Calvin

"Us Four"—that is so sweet. What kind of kid were you?

White Female Guest

I’ve been told I was a very sensible and orderly child. I had a bit of a reputation for being meticulous; I’ve heard stories that I used to get out of bed at night just to make sure my shoes were lined up perfectly and my clothes were folded! I suppose I liked things to be "just so."

Calvin

That attention to detail definitely served you later! What were your biggest fears growing up?

White Female Guest

Oh, like many children of that era, the shadow of war was a concern as I grew older. But specifically, I think there was a quiet apprehension about the great responsibility that might one day come my way, though I didn't realize quite how soon that would be!

Calvin

It’s a lot for anyone to wrap their head around. What did you dream of becoming as a child?

White Female Guest

I didn't necessarily dream of being a Queen! I remember once saying that I would have liked to be a lady living in the country with lots of horses and dogs. I’ve always had a profound love for animals.

Calvin

Horses and dogs—the Corgis! We’ll get to them. What were some of your favorite activities in school?

White Female Guest

Margaret and I were educated at home, so "school" was a bit different for us. I particularly enjoyed studying history and languages. I learned French from my governesses, and later, I had lessons in constitutional history to prepare me for my future role. I also loved the Girl Guides! It was wonderful to be part of a team.

Calvin

Your first taste of service! What was your first job?

White Female Guest

During the Second World War, I was very determined to do my bit. When I turned 18, I joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service. I trained as a driver and a mechanic. I must say, I was quite proud of getting my hands greasy and learning how to fix a truck engine!

Calvin

A mechanic Queen! Was there a moment where you realized you were different from everyone else?

White Female Guest

It happened rather suddenly when I was ten years old. My uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated the throne, and my father became King. I remember my sister Margaret asking me, "Does that mean you will be the next Queen?" and I replied, "Yes, some day." Everything changed in that instant.

Calvin

What’s a decision that changed everything for you, but felt small at the time?

White Female Guest

Perhaps choosing to join the ATS during the war. It felt like a small way to help at the time, but it gave me a connection to my people and a sense of duty that stayed with me forever.

Calvin

What was your biggest break?

White Female Guest

In terms of my public life, it was likely my first radio broadcast in 1940. I was only fourteen, speaking to the children who had been evacuated. It was the first time the world really heard my voice and realized I was ready to serve.

Calvin

What were your biggest struggles before success?

White Female Guest

The war years were difficult for everyone. Being separated from my parents at times and living through the Blitz at Windsor was a challenge. Then, of course, the suddenness of my father's passing in 1952—I went from being a Princess on a trip to Kenya to being the Queen overnight.

Calvin

That’s an incredible weight to carry so young. Did you ever consider quitting?

White Female Guest

No. For me, the role was a "job for life." I made a pledge on my 21st birthday that my whole life, whether it be long or short, would be devoted to service. I took that vow very seriously.

Calvin

Your dedication was legendary. Were there any specific daily habits or routines that you feel are essential to your success?

White Female Guest

Routine was very helpful! I was woken every morning at nine by my bagpiper—a tradition started by Queen Victoria. I enjoyed starting the day with a cup of Earl Grey tea and reading my correspondence. I also made sure to walk my dogs every day; it kept me grounded.

Calvin

What job would you have had if fame never happened?

White Female Guest

As I mentioned, I think I would have been quite happy as a country lady, perhaps breeding and racing horses. I had a real passion for the "Racing Post"!

Calvin

What was your life like before fame?

White Female Guest

Before my father became King, we lived a relatively quiet life for a royal family. Those early years in Malta with Philip, when he was stationed there with the Navy, were some of the most "normal" and happiest times. I could go to the shops and the cinema just like anyone else.

Calvin

How did relationships change after success?

White Female Guest

It could be a lonely role. Even within the family, there is a certain protocol once you wear the crown. But I was very lucky to have Philip by my side; he was my "strength and stay" for all those years.

Calvin

He certainly seemed to be. Did fame bring happiness?

White Female Guest

Happiness for me came from doing my duty and seeing the impact of the charities and people I supported. The "fame" part was just a byproduct of the service.

Calvin

What was the downside of becoming famous?

White Female Guest

The lack of privacy can be quite wearing. Being under constant scrutiny means you must always be "on." I used to say, "I have to be seen to be believed," but sometimes it's nice just to hibernate for a bit!

Calvin

What misconceptions did people have about you?

White Female Guest

People often thought I was very stern because I had to keep a serious face for official events. But I actually quite enjoyed a good joke and had a bit of a mischievous sense of humor!

Calvin

We saw that with Paddington Bear! What was your darkest moment?

White Female Guest

1992 was a very difficult year—what I called my annus horribilis. There was the fire at Windsor Castle and several of my children's marriages were going through very public struggles. It was a very heavy time for the family.

Calvin

What regrets did you carry?

White Female Guest

One always wonders if they could have done more or spent more time with family. But I tried to balance my role as a mother and a grandmother with my duties as Queen as best as I could.

Calvin

What’s something people misunderstood about your life?

White Female Guest

Perhaps that it was all tiaras and banquets! Most of my day was spent reading through "the red boxes"—government papers that required my attention. It was a lot of very serious paperwork!

Calvin

Tell me about a time when everything went wrong and how did you handle it?

White Female Guest

There was the time an intruder actually got into my bedroom at Buckingham Palace in 1982! I didn't panic; I just tried to stay calm until security arrived. One must keep a cool head, you see.

Calvin

That is the definition of "keep calm and carry on"! Did fame and fortune change your life?

White Female Guest

It certainly provided a unique platform. But I always tried to remember that I was there to serve the people, not the other way around.

Calvin

Who had the biggest influence on your life?

White Female Guest

My father, King George VI. He showed me what quiet courage and devotion to duty looked like, even when he never expected to be King.

Calvin

What was life like in your final years?

White Female Guest

I remained very busy! I was still meeting with Prime Ministers and attending as many engagements as I could. I spent a lot of time at Balmoral, which was always my favorite place to relax with the family.

Calvin

What were you working on in your career before you passed away?

White Female Guest

I was focused on the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. It was so moving to see the Commonwealth come together. Even in my final days, I was performing my duties, including appointing a new Prime Minister.

Calvin

When and where did you pass away?

White Female Guest

I passed away on September 8, 2022, at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

Calvin

What happened?

White Female Guest

It was simply old age. I was 96 years old, and I believe I had finished my work.

Calvin

A long life very well lived. What’s a random fact about you most people have never heard?

White Female Guest

I never had a passport! Since British passports are issued in the name of the Monarch, it wasn't necessary for me to have one myself.

Calvin

That is a great trivia fact! What’s the craziest rumor ever told about you?

White Female Guest

Oh, there were so many! But one that always made me chuckle was that I carried a secret signal with my handbag—if I moved it from one hand to the other, it meant I wanted to end a conversation!

Calvin

Was it true?

White Female Guest

(Laughs) I’ll leave that one for people to wonder about!

Calvin

Fair enough! What was your most unique habit?

White Female Guest

I had a very specific way of eating my jam sandwiches—I’ve had "jam pennies" (circular jam sandwiches) every single day since I was a small child in the nursery!

Calvin

What was your favorite food?

White Female Guest

I loved fresh salmon from the River Dee at Balmoral, and I had a very big soft spot for chocolate perfection pie.

Calvin

Did you have a favorite restaurant?

White Female Guest

I didn't go out to restaurants very often, but I did enjoy the occasional meal at Bellini's or The Ivy in London for special occasions.

Calvin

What was your favorite book?

White Female Guest

I enjoyed a good mystery, but I also kept up with the "Racing Post" every single morning to check on the horses!

Calvin

Tell us a story nobody talks about.

White Female Guest

On V-E Day in 1945, my sister Margaret and I actually slipped out of the Palace and joined the crowds celebrating in the streets of London! We pulled our caps down so nobody would recognize us. It was one of the most exciting nights of my life, being just a face in the crowd, cheering for peace.

Calvin

That sounds like a movie! What’s your funniest behind-the-scenes moment?

White Female Guest

I once encountered some tourists near Balmoral who didn't recognize me. They asked me if I'd ever met the Queen! I pointed at my protection officer and said, "No, but he has!"

Calvin

What was the most outlandish purchase you made?

White Female Guest

I wasn't much for "outlandish" purchases, but I did enjoy collecting interesting and colorful hats. I suppose I had quite a few of those!

Calvin

What advice would you give people chasing success?

White Female Guest

I would say that "doing small things with great love" is often the secret. Focus on service and being kind to your neighbor. It is the hard work and the togetherness that truly matters in the end.

Calvin

Your Majesty, this has been an absolute dream. Before we sign off, do you have any closing remarks about the interview or the stories you shared that you would like to share with the listeners?

White Female Guest

Only that it has been a joy to reminisce. Life is a journey of many changes, but if you stay true to your values and your family, you won't go far wrong. Thank you so much for having me, Calvin. It’s been lovely to have another chat!

Calvin

Thank you so much, Your Majesty! Wow, what an incredible journey through history. We talked about everything from fixing truck engines in the war to eating jam pennies every day for 90 years. I am still floored that she snuck out of the palace on V-E Day! Thank you again to our guest for coming on the show. And that wraps up another conversation from beyond the grave. Thanks for joining us on The Headstones and Microphones Podcast. Remember—legends may die, but their stories never do. Please help spread the word by sharing and following the pod.