The Queen at War

Shortly before her 19th birthday Princess Elizabeth joined the women’s branch of the British Army, called the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS). Elizabeth joined the transport division, taking a motor mechanics course (her love of driving never left her). By joining the ATS, Princess Elizabeth became the only female member of the royal family to serve in the armed forces.

When she was just 14 years old Princess Elizabeth was asked to make a radio broadcast to the Empire. Aimed particularly at the children who had been evacuated overseas to the United States and Canada, Princess Elizabeth sent a “a message of true sympathy” to the evacuees.

With the surrender of Germany came the end of the war. On May 8, 1945, "Victory In Europe," Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret famously sneaked out of the palace with some friends to join the crowds celebrating in the streets below. Two years later Princess Elizabeth broadcast another speech to mark her 21st birthday.

From 1941 through to 1944 Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret starred in traditional Pantomimes such as Aladdin and Cinderella - all performed in the vast space of the Waterloo Chamber. The proceeds from the Pantomimes went to the Queen’s Wool Fund.

Learn how the longest reigning monarch in British history was shaped by World War II. Princess Elizabeth’s experiences during the war mirrored those of the public and helped shape her into the Queen she is today.