Nobody would have guessed that the new princess would one day become queen when she was born on April 21, 1926.

Nevertheless, an unexpected turn of events saw Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary ascend to the throne at age of 26 and become our country's longest-reigning monarch.

As the third in line to the throne, Princess Elizabeth was educated at home with her sister Margaret.

Her life took an unexpected turn in 1936, when her uncle, Edward VIII, renounced his throne to marry a divorcee named Wallis Simpson.

Her father became George VI, and she became his heir.

Despite her privilege, Elizabeth's young life paralleled that of other young people of the time in many ways.

Daily Echo: King George V1 (then Duke of York) and the Queen (then the Duchess of York later the Queen Mother) holding baby Princess Elizabeth (later to become Queen Elizabeth II) soon after her birth in 1926

A Daily Echo article from the time of the Princess's birth read: “Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of York, gave birth to a princess at 2.40 this morning.

“The happy event took place at No. 17 Bruton Street, the London residence of the Earl and Countess of Strathmore.

Daily Echo: HERITAGE. DUKE OF YORK WITH PRINCESS ELIZABETH 1926

This is their Majesties’ first granddaughter.

“The Home Secretary, Sir William Joynson Hicks, was summoned to Bruton-street in accordance with custom where births in the Royal Family are concerned, and was present in the house at the time of the birth.”

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