The Young Princess Who Faced the Blitz
For many Americans, the image of Queen Elizabeth II is one of a steady, enduring monarch, a constant presence through decades of change. But during one of the most tumultuous periods of the 20th century, the Blitz, she was a young girl. This article delves into her age and her surprising early involvement during those dark days of World War II.
Princess Elizabeth's Age During the Blitz
The Blitz, a sustained bombing campaign by Nazi Germany against the United Kingdom, began in September 1940 and continued for eight months. During this period, Princess Elizabeth was a young girl. She was born on April 21, 1926.
Therefore, at the start of the Blitz in September 1940, Princess Elizabeth was 14 years old. Throughout the bombing campaign, which lasted until May 1941, she remained 14 and then turned 15 years old.
Princess Elizabeth's Role and Experiences
While too young to serve in combat, Princess Elizabeth was not shielded from the realities of war. The royal family made a conscious decision to remain in Britain, a powerful symbol of defiance. While her younger sister, Princess Margaret, was initially evacuated, Elizabeth and her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (later known as the Queen Mother), stayed at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
A Symbol of Resilience
Even at a young age, Elizabeth was beginning to understand her future responsibilities. Her father, King George VI, delivered radio addresses, and Elizabeth herself participated in her first public address in October 1940. This radio broadcast, delivered to the children of the Commonwealth, was a significant moment. She spoke with remarkable poise, offering comfort and solidarity to those enduring the hardships of war.
In this broadcast, she said:
"My sister Margaret Rose and I would much rather be at home, playing with you all. But I know that wherever we are, we are thinking of you and sending you our love."
This early experience foreshadowed her lifelong commitment to public service and her role as a morale booster.
Wartime Activities and Training
As she grew older and closer to adulthood, Princess Elizabeth took on more active roles. In 1943, at the age of 16, she made her first solo public appearance, inspecting the Grenadier Guards. She also joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) in 1945, shortly before the end of the war. She trained as a driver and mechanic, becoming the first female member of the British royal family to join the armed forces.
Her decision to join the ATS was a significant departure for a princess and demonstrated her desire to contribute directly to the war effort. She learned to drive lorries and service vehicles, a practical skill that grounded her in the realities faced by many during the war.
Life in Wartime London
The royal family's decision to stay in London during the Blitz was a powerful statement. Buckingham Palace itself was hit by bombs on several occasions, underscoring the danger they were in. Princess Elizabeth, along with her mother and father, would often be photographed in the damaged grounds of the palace, a visible representation of the nation's resolve.
The family also spent significant time at Windsor Castle, which was considered a safer location. However, even there, the constant threat of air raids was a palpable reality. The young princess would have experienced the air raid sirens, the blackouts, and the general anxiety that permeated life in Britain during those years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How old was Princess Elizabeth when the Blitz began?
Princess Elizabeth was 14 years old when the Blitz began in September 1940. She had celebrated her 14th birthday earlier that year in April.
Why did the royal family stay in London during the Blitz?
The royal family, led by King George VI, chose to remain in London to show solidarity with the British people and to serve as a symbol of national defiance and morale. Evacuating would have been seen as abandoning the country in its time of greatest need.
What was Princess Elizabeth's first public address?
Princess Elizabeth's first public address was a radio broadcast in October 1940, during which she spoke to the children of the Commonwealth to offer them comfort and encouragement during the war.
Did Princess Elizabeth serve in the military?
Yes, Princess Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) in 1945. She trained as a driver and mechanic, becoming the first female member of the royal family to actively serve in the armed forces.
