Australia | 1985 | 10 cents | Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II (born 21
April 1926) became monarch in 1952 and served as Queen of multiple Commonwealth
realms, initially seven and later sixteen as countries gained independence or
became republics. She is the longest-lived and second longest-reigning British
monarch after Queen Victoria.
Born in London, she became
heir presumptive when her father, George VI, ascended the throne in 1936.
During World War II, she served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service. In 1947
she married Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and they had four children.
Her reign has included major
constitutional events such as UK devolution, Canadian patriation, and the
decolonization of Africa. She undertook many historic visits, including state
visits involving Ireland and the Pope. Personally significant moments include
royal family births, jubilees, and family tragedies such as the death of
Princess Diana and the deaths of her mother and sister in 2002.
Despite republican criticism
at times, her popularity has remained strong. Australian coins have featured
four right-facing portraits of her, following long-standing royal tradition and
legal requirements under Australia’s Currency Regulations.
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