emmas logo
Emma's Diary

The Pregnancy App

star rating

FREE - On the app store

Close this popup  

11 fun facts about the Queen as a mummy

queen elizabeth
 

As every mum knows, raising kids is hard work, and trying to balance a career with motherhood is no easy task. But what happens when your job is entirely unique, and not so much a career choice as a duty? As Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her Platinum Jubilee, we take a look at the mum behind the crown to find out more about the type of parent she was while raising her children in extraordinary circumstances.

Here are 11 facts about The Queen as a mum

1. She was already a mum when she became Queen

Princess Elizabeth was just 25-years old, and already a mum of two,  when she found out that she would become Queen. After giving birth to Prince Charles in 1948 and Princess Anne in 1950, just two years later in 1952, the young mum became Queen Elizabeth II.

2. She broke royal tradition when giving birth

Traditionally, royal births took place without the fathers present. Queen Elizabeth II followed this tradition for the births of Prince Charles, Princess Anne, and Prince Andrew, but Prince Philip was present for the birth of Prince Edward in 1964.

3. She once had to leave her children behind for six months

Working mum guilt is something that we all face, but forget a couple of days spent away from home at a conference, The Queen was once apart from her kids for half a year! In 1953, after being on the throne for around a year, The Queen and Prince Philip set off on a six-month tour of 13 Commonwealth countries. Five-year-old Prince Charles and Princess Anne, who was three at the time stayed at home with their nanny. It is believed that the children were left at home as The Queen was concerned that the children would find the trip and all the travel involved too disruptive.

4. She was the first reigning monarch to give birth in over a century!

When The Queen gave birth to Prince Andrew, Duke of York in 1960, she became the first reigning monarch to give birth in 103 years.

5. Her youngest children are like her ‘second family’

There is quite a large age gap between The Queen’s older children and the younger two. While Prince Charles and Princess Anne were born just two years apart, Princes Andrew and Edward were born many years later. Prince Charles was 12 years old when Prince Andrew was born and 16 years old when Prince Edward was born. It is believed that The Queen was more relaxed with her two youngest children as she was more settled into her role as both a mum and a monarch.

6. Many people see her as a reserved mum

Due to her role as monarch and the need to uphold traditions and comply with protocol, The Queen is often viewed as a reserved mum. This view may be partly attributed to The Queen and Prince Philip shaking hands with their young children when they were reunited after their six months away on a royal tour rather than showing affection. However, this may lack of affection could be due to the eyes of the world being on them at the time and feeling pressure to behave in a formal manner. Photos such as the one shown above of The Queen and Prince Charles capture a genuine love between the two and show they are relaxed in each other’s company.

7. She often saw her young children just twice a day

With a nanny to take care of her children, Queen Elizabeth II was able to engage in her day-to-day duties, which often involved travel. As the children were primarily looked after by a nanny, The Queen and Prince Philip often only saw their children twice each day; after breakfast and at teatime. This may sound unusual, but it was pretty standard for upper-class parents of the era.

8. Her children have differing views on her parenting style

While some reports suggest that Prince Charles may have found his parents a little distant in his upbringing, not all of The Queen’s children are in agreement over The Queen’s parenting style. In 2002, Princess Anne was interviewed by the BBC and said; “I simply don't believe that there is any evidence whatsoever to suggest that she wasn't caring. It just beggars belief.”

9. She took extended maternity leave

After serving the country for eight years on the throne, Queen Elizabeth II took the opportunity to enjoy an extended maternity leave. The Queen took eighteen months off so that she could focus her attention on the latest additions to the royal household, Princes Andrew and Edward.

10. She dotes on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren

It is clear to see how much The Queen dotes on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Throughout the years, pictures of her with the younger generations of her family have shown her eyes light up when she is around her grandchildren and meeting her great-grandchildren for the first time.

11. She loves being a mum

When actress Kate Winslet received her CBE from The Queen in 2012, she got a glimpse into the monarch’s views on motherhood. During the exchange, The Queen asked Winslet if she liked her job. In reply, the actress said she does, “but I love being a mum even more.” The Queen reportedly replied by saying “Yes, that’s the only job which matters.” We couldn’t have put it better ourselves.

 

 

 

 

THE LATEST HOT TOPICS

JUST FOR YOU