The queen elizabeth ii childhood

When Elizabeth was born she was third in line to the throne.

At the time it was highly unlikely she would become Queen as her uncle Edward - then heir presumptive - was young and expected to have children that would precede her in the line of succession.

She and sister Margaret enjoyed a happy childhood and were close to their parents.

Home-educated by tutors, they spent their free time playing in the sprawling grounds of the royal estates.

But when Edward VIII abdicated to marry an American divorcee, Elizabeth became heir to the throne - and she was forced to start preparing for her future life as Queen.

'We four'

Princess Elizabeth was born at her grandfather's house in Mayfair on 21 April 1926.

Known affectionately as Lilibet, she was the first child of Prince Albert, Duke of York - later King George VI - and the Duchess of York, nee Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon.

Her sister