Our 20s are often a time of uncertainty, with many of us experimenting with careers, relationships and homes. For the late Queen Elizabeth, this was not the case, as her path in life had been set the moment her uncle King Edward VIII abdicated the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, putting her in the line of succession.
However, while her father, King George VI, ruled, he had the authority to request that she delay her wedding to Prince Philip until she turned 21. During that time, the then-Princess was living in her own apartment on the first floor of Buckingham Palace, which was pictured in 1946.
One unearthed photo reveals it was a surprisingly modest space, with an open-plan office and living area. Sitting at a desk in the centre of the room, 20-year-old Elizabeth turned to look at the camera in her midi dress, surrounded by papers and fresh flowers.
A large dresser holding an array of books and ornaments displayed on glass shelves was positioned against the wall in front of her, while armchairs were squeezed between the desk and the fireplace.
Putting her stamp on the room, the late monarch had decorated it with ornamental vases, clocks and personal photographs, including one of her mother.
© Getty ImagesThe home inside Buckingham Palace – which has its own post office and swimming pool – acted as her bachelorette pad, before she moved into Windlesham Moor with Prince Philip following their wedding in November 1947.
Secret proposal
The then-Prince of Greece and Denmark had proposed during a trip to Scotland in 1946, where he presented his future bride with a ring made up of diamonds from his mother, Princess Alice’s tiara.
Despite King George VI granting his consent for the union, he requested the couple wait to make the announcement until after Elizabeth turned 21. After keeping the secret for almost a year, the couple announced their plans to marry in July 1947.
Royal homes
Between 1947 and 1949, Princess Elizabeth and her husband rented five-bedroom Windlesham Moor in Surrey.
From 1949 to 1951, they split their time between Clarence House in the UK and Villa Guardamangia in Malta, where the prince was stationed as a naval officer. The Mediterranean home held a special place in the late monarch’s heart, as she reflected during a 2015 state visit: “Visiting Malta is very special for me. I remember happy days here with Prince Philip when we were first married.”
© SOPA Images/LightRocket via GettAfter Elizabeth acceded to the throne in 1952, she had a full circle moment, moving back into Buckingham Palace, which remained her primary residence until shortly before her death in 2022.
She reportedly wanted to stay at nearby Clarence House, but was encouraged by Sir Winston Churchill to move to the Palace.
Read the full article here
