logo

Here Are 31 Interesting Pictures of Queen Elizabeth II That You’ve Probably Never Seen Before

Take a look back at the fascinating life of Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away at the age of 96.

Here Are 31 Interesting Pictures of Queen Elizabeth II That You’ve Probably Never Seen Before

Queen Elizabeth II is one of the most photographed people in modern history, but some of her most memorable images are the ones that show her before the crown defined everything. Long before she became the steady face of the monarchy, she was a child, a daughter, a sister, and later a young woman building a life in the public eye.

[ADVERTISEMENT]

These rare photos capture that side of her, from playful family moments to formal appearances, military service, and decades of royal duty. They also show how much her life changed after Edward VIII’s abdication pushed her closer to the throne at a very young age.

[ADVERTISEMENT]

From childhood snapshots to later-life scenes with her family, these images reveal a more personal look at the late queen. Read on.

1. Princess Elizabeth II in a stroller at 6 months old

1. Princess Elizabeth II in a stroller at 6 months oldMirrorpix / Mirrorpix via Getty Images
[ADVERTISEMENT]

2. Walking alongside her nannies and a stroller holding her sister, Princess Margaret

2. Walking alongside her nannies and a stroller holding her sister, Princess MargaretAFP via Getty Images
[ADVERTISEMENT]

3. Standing in front of her "playhouse," which was gifted to her by the people of Wales

3. Standing in front of her "playhouse," which was gifted to her by the people of WalesCentral Press / Getty Images

4. Riding her tricycle

4. Riding her tricycleKeystone / Getty Images

5. Posing with her dogs at her home in Piccadilly, London

5. Posing with her dogs at her home in Piccadilly, LondonLisa Sheridan / Getty Images

Even the future queen had a soft spot for her pets.

6. And giving one of them a hug

6. And giving one of them a hugLisa Sheridan / Getty Images

7. Standing beside her swimming team at the Bath Club

7. Standing beside her swimming team at the Bath ClubUllstein Bild Dtl via Getty Images

8. Riding her pony in Windsor Great Park

8. Riding her pony in Windsor Great ParkUniversal Image Group / Getty Images

9. Smiling with her horse on her 13th birthday

9. Smiling with her horse on her 13th birthdayTopical Press Agency / Getty Images

Her early years were already full of the routines that would shape her public life.

10. Changing a car tire in the Auxiliary Territorial Service

10. Changing a car tire in the Auxiliary Territorial ServiceMirrorpix / Mirrorpix via Getty Images

11. Girl Guide camp at Frogmore, Windsor

11. Girl Guide camp at Frogmore, WindsorUniversal Images Group via Getty Images

12. Dressed up as Prince Salvador in the Christmas production of Sleeping Beauty at Windsor Castle

12. Dressed up as Prince Salvador in the Christmas production of Sleeping Beauty at Windsor CastleLisa Sheridan / Getty Images

13. Playing tag on the deck of the HMS Vanguard

13. Playing tag on the deck of the HMS VanguardBettmann / Bettmann Archive

14. Square dancing with the Duke of Edinburgh at a cowboy-themed party in Canada

14. Square dancing with the Duke of Edinburgh at a cowboy-themed party in CanadaMirrorpix / Mirrorpix via Getty Images

15. Using a video camera aboard the SS Gothic during the coronation world tour

15. Using a video camera aboard the SS Gothic during the coronation world tourHulton Archive / Getty Images

By then, the royal schedule was already taking her far from home.

Also check out these school photos of everyone caught in their awkward phase.

16. On her way to a garden party in Sydney, Australia

16. On her way to a garden party in Sydney, AustraliaKeystone / Getty Images

17. Talking to actor Jayne Mansfield in the reception line at the Odeon Theatre in London

17. Talking to actor Jayne Mansfield in the reception line at the Odeon Theatre in LondonBettmann / Bettmann Archive

18. Playing with Prince Charles at a country home in Surrey

18. Playing with Prince Charles at a country home in SurreyPa Images / PA Images via Getty Images

19. Getting in a boat with Princess Anne

19. Getting in a boat with Princess AnneCentral Press / Getty Images

20. Taking a drive with Prince Charles and Princess Anne

20. Taking a drive with Prince Charles and Princess AnneHulton Deutsch / Getty Contributor

21. Eating with her hands while sharing a meal with King Hassan during a visit to Morocco

21. Eating with her hands while sharing a meal with King Hassan during a visit to MoroccoBettmann / Bettmann Archive

She could move from family life to state visits without missing a beat.

22. Touring Australia in 1970

22. Touring Australia in 1970Keystone / Getty Images

23. Smiling on her 50th birthday

23. Smiling on her 50th birthdayFox Photos / Getty Images

24. Posing with Prince Charles at Windsor Castle

24. Posing with Prince Charles at Windsor CastleFox Photos / Getty Images

25. Cutting a cake with a sword

25. Cutting a cake with a swordWpa Pool / Getty Images

26. Shaking hands with Victoria Beckham after a Spice Girls performance

26. Shaking hands with Victoria Beckham after a Spice Girls performancePool / Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

27. Giving one of her dogs, Candy, a boop on the nose

27. Giving one of her dogs, Candy, a boop on the noseWpa Pool / Getty Images

28. Admiring a replica of Buckingham Palace made from Legos

28. Admiring a replica of Buckingham Palace made from LegosHulton Deutsch / Corbis via Getty Images

29. Sitting beside Anna Wintour as they view Richard Quinn's runway show

29. Sitting beside Anna Wintour as they view Richard Quinn's runway showWpa Pool / Getty Images

30. Attending a video conference event at Buckingham Palace

30. Attending a video conference event at Buckingham PalaceVictoria Jones / POOL/AFP via Getty Images

31. And lastly, driving in her Range Rover to the Windsor Horse Show last year

31. And lastly, driving in her Range Rover to the Windsor Horse Show last yearWpa Pool / Getty Images

These rare family photos show a side of the Queen that people did not always get to see. The late monarch ruled for more than 70 years, loved her pets and horses, and even spent part of her teenage years on a swim team.

If you enjoyed this glimpse into her life, please leave a comment below.

Want more “built different” nostalgia, see vintage photos where safety was basically optional.

More articles you might like