Was Queen Elizabeth in the Military?
Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch, has had a long and storied career in the military. While she did not serve in the traditional sense, she has been intimately involved with the British armed forces throughout her reign.
Early Life and Interest in the Military
From a young age, Princess Elizabeth (as she was known before her coronation) showed a keen interest in the military. Growing up during World War II, she watched as British soldiers fought on the beaches of Normandy and on the streets of London. Her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, encouraged her interest, and she spent many hours playing with the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm at the family’s country estate, Sandringham.
Training and Service
In 1939, at the age of 14, Elizabeth began her training as a mechanic and driver with the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS). She was the first royal to join the military as a regular member, not just as an honorary guest. She was given the rank of Honorary Junior Commander and served alongside other women, performing administrative tasks and driving military trucks.
Elizabeth’s training included learning to change tires, repair engines, and navigate using maps and compasses. She was also required to take part in gas mask drills and learn how to handle explosives. Despite her royal status, she was treated like any other ATS member, with regular inspections and drills.
War Effort and D-Day
During World War II, Elizabeth’s parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, visited military bases, hospitals, and factories, boosting morale and supporting the war effort. Elizabeth’s father, King George VI, was the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, and Elizabeth’s mother was heavily involved in the war effort, opening factories and visiting troops.
On D-Day, June 6, 1944, Elizabeth received a message from her mother, informing her that her father had been ordered to remain in London to maintain morale. Elizabeth was sent to Buckingham Palace, where she began her own role in the war effort, making official visits to military bases, hospitals, and factories to boost morale.
Cold War and Later Life
After the war, Elizabeth continued to support the British armed forces, attending reviews, parades, and ceremonies. She has been the Commander-in-Chief of the British armed forces since 1952, when her father, King George VI, passed away.
Throughout her reign, Elizabeth has visited more than 100 countries and has met with numerous world leaders, many of whom have been or are still serving military officers. Her commitment to the military has been unwavering, and she continues to support the armed forces to this day.
Table: Queen Elizabeth II’s Military Honors
| Rank | Organization | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Honorary Junior Commander | Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) | 1939 |
| Colonel-in-Chief | Grenadier Guards | 1946 |
| Colonel-in-Chief | Coldstream Guards | 1950 |
| Field Marshal | British Army | 1965 |
| Admiral of the Fleet | Royal Navy | 1953 |
| Marshal of the Royal Air Force | Royal Air Force | 1953 |
Significance and Legacy
Queen Elizabeth II’s involvement with the military has been remarkable, given her royal status. She has always been seen as a working member of the armed forces, rather than just an honorary guest. Her willingness to serve alongside ordinary troops, perform manual labor, and support the war effort has earned her the respect and admiration of the military and the British public alike.
In conclusion, Queen Elizabeth II has indeed been in the military. Her early training as a mechanic and driver, her service with the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service, and her later role as Commander-in-Chief of the British armed forces have cemented her place in history as a dedicated and respected military leader.
