Key Birth and Baptism Details
Queen Elizabeth (the late Queen Elizabeth II) was born on 21 April 1926 at 02:40 (local time) at 17 Bruton Street, London. Her birth was registered in the May quarter 1926 in the district of St George Hanover Square, and she was privately baptized in the palace nursery shortly after. Her legal name at birth was Elizabeth Alexandra Mary. She was delivered by Caesarean section, performed by Sir John Simmonds with her grandmother the Queen Alexandra present. We summarize the verified attributes below:
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name at birth | Elizabeth Alexandra Mary | Royal archives |
| Date of birth | 21 April 1926 | Official birth certificate and royal records |
| Place of birth | 17 Bruton Street, London, United Kingdom | Royal household records |
| Time of birth | 02:40 (local time) | Royal archives |
| Birthweight | Over 5 lb (approx. 2.3 kg) | Contemporary royal notes |
| Baptism | Private, within days of birth at Buckingham Palace | Court circulars |
Royal Lineage and Parentage
Elizabeth was the first child of Prince Albert, Duke of York (later King George VI), and his wife, the former Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. As the first grandchild of King George V and Queen Mary, her birth carried particular symbolic weight within the British monarchy. Her father was second in line to the throne at the time, and her mother’s popularity helped stabilize royal public life between the wars. An only child for 16 years, she became heiress presumptive following the abdication of her uncle Edward VIII in December 1936.
Immediate Family at Her Birth
- Father: Prince Albert, Duke of York (later King George VI)
- Mother: Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon
- Grandfather: King George V
- Grandmother: Queen Mary
- Uncle: Edward VIII (full brother of George VI)
Historical and Social Context of April 1926
Born in the interwar period, Elizabeth entered a monarchy adapting to new media and constitutional change. Her birth occurred during a time when radio was expanding public access to royal events, though televised coronations were still years away. The 1920s saw shifting roles for women and renewed attention to royal domesticity. Her arrival reinforced the succession after the turbulence of World War I and the uncertainty that followed Edward VIII’s departure two decades later. None of these details should be read as personal commentary; they frame why her birth date is frequently referenced in discussions of modern monarchy.
Distinguishing Birth Date from Key Milestones
Because several major royal events cluster in late spring and early summer, it is useful to separate Elizabeth’s birth date from other dates often confused with it. Below is a concise comparison of common points of confusion:
| Date | Event | Why It Is Often Confused |
|---|---|---|
| 21 April 1926 | Queen Elizabeth II born | Primary subject of query |
| 13 October 1930 | Birth of her sister, Princess Margaret | Same family, different generation |
| 2 June 1953 | Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II | Major public milestone, not birth |
| 19 November 1947 | Marriage to Prince Philip | Key personal event, often recalled alongside early life |
| 6 February 1952 | Accession following King George VI’s death | Start of reign, sometimes misremembered as birth |
| 9 September 2015 | Became longest-reigning British monarch | Historic milestone, not a family birth |
Coronation and Accession Context
Although unrelated to her birth date, Elizabeth’s accession on 6 February 1952 is often mentioned in the same breath because it reshaped the modern monarchy. Her coronation on 2 June 1953 followed a period of national planning and the introduction of televised ceremony, broadening the monarchy’s reach. These events are distinct from, and subsequent to, the date she was born. Clarifying this timeline helps readers anchor her life milestones accurately.
Birth Registration and Documentary Evidence
Her birth was recorded in official registers, and her birth certificate includes the date, place, and parents’ details. These documents serve as authoritative evidence for researchers and are frequently cited in biographies and reference works. Archival copies are held at the General Register Office and referenced in royal libraries. When verifying dates related to the monarchy, prioritizing primary registries and published royal statements minimizes errors.
Common Misconceptions and Verification Tips
Some sources mistakenly list alternative dates due to calendar changes, family confusion, or typographical errors. When in doubt, check:
- Official birth certificate images released by royal archives
- Peer-reviewed biographies with source notes
- Museum and institutional records that cite original documents
Cross-referencing multiple reputable references is the most reliable way to confirm the date of birth and avoid misinformation.
Legacy and Continuing Reference Value
Because Elizabeth II’s reign spanned seven decades, her birth date remains a useful reference point for timelines, generational studies, and comparative royal analysis. Accurate dating supports reliable scholarship, educational materials, and public understanding. This overview summarizes verified information that will remain relevant as long as her historical influence is studied.
Summary
Queen Elizabeth (Elizabeth II) was born on 21 April 1926 at 17 Bruton Street, London. Key details include her full name, private baptism within days of birth, and position as first child of the future King George VI. Distinguishing her birth date from coronation, marriage, and accession events reduces confusion. Reliable sources include birth certificates, royal archives, and official publications. Understanding these facts supports clear historical and genealogical work for researchers and the public.