1942 - Princess Elizabeth Windsor at age 16 (Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II) as Colonel with The Grenadier Guards (UK) by Royal Portrait Photographer Mary Evans

1942 Photograph of Princess Elizabeth Windsor taken by Royal Prtait photographer Mary Evans

1942 Photograph of Princess Elizabeth Windsor taken by Royal Prtait photographer Mary Evans

Name/Title

1942 - Princess Elizabeth Windsor at age 16 (Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II) as Colonel with The Grenadier Guards (UK) by Royal Portrait Photographer Mary Evans

Description

Following the death in January 1942 of her great-great-uncle and godfather, the Duke of Connaught, Princess Elizabeth at age 16 was appointed on 24 February to succeed him as the Colonel of the Grenadier Guards. This was the first time a female held the position. To mark the occasion, the officers of the regiment presented the Princess with a diamond brooch in the form of the regimental badge, as seen in the portrait. The brooch was presented on 20 April 1942 at the Princess’s first official audience, and the following day - on her sixteenth birthday - an inspection of the Grenadier Guards was the Princess’s first official public engagement.

Created By

Zarina Carlevaris

Create Date

August 18, 2022

Updated By

Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.

Update Date

October 27, 2024