Her blissful EARLY DAYS

THE QUEEN'S CHILDHOOD WAS FILLED WITH LOVE AND FUN, UNTIL THE ABDICATION OF HER UNCLE REDEFINED HER FUTURE

When Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born by Caesarean section at 2.40am on April 21, 1926, she was never destined to rule. As the child of King George V's second son Albert, Duke of York and Elizabeth, Duchess of York, the baby was officially third in line to the throne but likely to be pushed further down by any sons born to her uncle, the Prince of Wales, or her father.

INSIDE HER WORLD

"Cameras have always been a part of our lives," Elizabeth once said, adding that letting the cameras into her home allowed the world to see the "fun behind the formality" of her happy childhood. She said, "It adds to the sense of intimacy."

Free from the pressures of being a future ruler, the first decade of the princess' life was privileged and carefree. Nicknamed Lilibet by her sister Margaret, she spent her early childhood between a house in London and Royal Lodge, the family's home in the grounds of Windsor Great Park. "Lilibet is my pride," her father once said of his two daughters. "Margaret is my joy."