Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926, the first child of Prince Albert, Duke of York, and his wife, Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. She grew up in the Royal Family, and her father eventually became King George VI after his older brother, King Edward VIII, abdicated the throne in 1936. Elizabeth was third in line for the throne at the time.

Elizabeth was educated at home and eventually attended finishing school in France. During World War II, she served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service as a driver and mechanic, and she also made public appearances to boost morale. In 1947, she married Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and the couple had four children: Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward.

On February 6, 1952, King George VI passed away, and Elizabeth became the Queen of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among other countries. She was just 25 years old at the time, and her coronation took place on June 2, 1953, at Westminster Abbey in London. The coronation was a lavish ceremony that was broadcast on television for the first time, and it was watched by millions of people around the world.

During her reign, Queen Elizabeth II oversaw significant social, political, and cultural changes in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. In the 1960s and 1970s, there were significant shifts in British society, including the rise of youth culture, the women’s liberation movement, and the decriminalization of homosexuality. The Queen’s response to these changes was often seen as cautious but pragmatic, and she remained a symbol of stability and continuity during a time of significant change.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Queen Elizabeth II faced challenges from the increasing republican sentiment in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, particularly in Australia and Canada. However, her popularity remained high, and she continued to carry out her duties as head of state with dignity and grace.

In 2012, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Diamond Jubilee, marking 60 years on the throne. The celebrations included a flotilla on the River Thames and a concert at Buckingham Palace, and they were attended by millions of people in the United Kingdom and around the world.

In April 2021, Queen Elizabeth II passed away at the age of 96. Her passing was a significant event, and people all over the world paid tribute to her life and legacy. As I mentioned earlier, Ethiopians were deeply saddened by the news and remembered her time during the 1977 drought and hunger.

Following her passing, Prince Charles became the King of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among other countries. His coronation is expected to take place on May 6, 2023, at Westminster Abbey in London.

In conclusion, Queen Elizabeth II was a significant figure in the current history of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, having overseen significant social, political, and cultural changes during her reign. Her legacy will be remembered for generations to come, and her passing was a significant event that was felt around the world. The upcoming coronation of King Charles III marks the beginning of a new era for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, and it will be watched by people around the world with great interest.