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Please Enjoy These Super-Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman

Her matching ’fits with Princess Margaret were kinda iconic, TBH.

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white, pink, fashion, headpiece, dress, headgear, outerwear, photography, fashion design, vintage clothing,
Hulton Deutsch//Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth passed away in September 2022 after holding the throne for more than 70 years. But long before Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton were the resident cool girls of the royal family, Her Majesty was out here serving lewks. Here’s a glimpse at what her life was like as a young princess—and please note motifs of fur, pearls, and, um, workwear (…!).

1

1926

Princess Elizabeth As A Baby
PhotoQuest//Getty Images

Little bb Lizzie! The future queen was only a few months old when this pic was taken, and she looks like the cutest cherub there ever was.

2

1927

Princess Elizabeth
Hulton Deutsch//Getty Images

Look at that smile! Those curls! Those pearls! Adorable and regal already.

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3

1928

Princess Elizabeth
Central Press//Getty Images

If you squint really hard, you can kinda make out the shape of 2-year-old Elizabeth’s overexposed hand, but it’s more fun to imagine she’s flipping off a paparazzo for raising his voice or doing something she deemed unacceptable.

4

1929

A Royal Smile HRH Princess Elizabeth
Print Collector//Getty Images

Shirley Temple WHO?!?! Three-year-old Elizabeth knew how to work the camera.

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5

1929

Elizabeth Ii Queen Royalty Child
Universal History Archive//Getty Images

Pearls make another appearance. Side note: This ruffled dress…does it come in adult sizes?

6

1929

princess elizabeth in the garden at glamis castle
Universal History Archive//Getty Images

It's giving, “everything the light touches is our kingdom.”

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7

1930

princess elizabeth as a child, 1930
V&A Images//Getty Images

This? Just a future icon in the making.

8

1930

princess elizabeth, future queen elizabeth ii of great britain, windsor, 1930s
Print Collector//Getty Images

Good to know that even the most royal of royals also loved playing with their dolls. 🥺

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9

1930

George's Snapshot
Hulton Archive//Getty Images

Elizabeth’s dad (King George VI) took this photo of his daughter frolicking through a field of flowers, and honestly, it’s just so pure and wonderful.

10

1931

History
Universal History Archive

Apparently, Lizzie made her bridesmaid debut at…age 5?! Here she is looking posh in a hooded fur cape to watch Lady May Cambridge tie the knot.

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11

1933

Princess Elizabeth
Central Press//Getty Images

IDK what seven-year-old Elizabeth was carrying in her purse here, but if I had to guess, I would say a tube of watermelon-flavored Lip Smacker, a piece of Juicy Fruit gum, and a crumpled dandelion she ripped out of the ground. JK, it’s obviously something way more chic.

12

1935

Every Inch A Princess
Hulton Archive//Getty Images

Really living for the caption of this photo: “Every inch a princess.”

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13

1935

Photograph, Retro style, Vintage clothing, Headpiece, Hairstyle, Snapshot, Hair accessory, Headgear, Dress, Stock photography,
Getty Images

Elizabeth’s parents definitely made her wear this outfit for what I can only assume must be the royal equivalent to an awkward yearbook photo. All that’s missing is a backdrop featuring a stock photo of an autumnal scene.

14

1936

Bridle, Halter, Horse, Horse tack, Rein, Equestrian helmet, Headgear, Recreation, Black-and-white, Riding instructor,
Getty Images

Here’s 10-year-old Elizabeth bonding with her pony. Little did she know back then that (a) she’d replace that poor pony with a fleet of posh and possibly inbred corgis and (b) she’d go on to almost exclusively wear massive hats and headscarves.

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15

1936

Princess' Dog
Lisa Sheridan//Getty Images

Speaking of corgis, here she is cradling one like a baby. Head support, Elizabeth, head support!

16

1936

Royal Dog
Lisa Sheridan//Getty Images

Okay, sorry, one more dog pic because LOOK AT HOW HAPPY THAT PUPPER IS. The love runs deep between Elizabeth and her corgis.

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17

1936

dog bench
Lisa Sheridan//Getty Images

Okay, I lied. This is actually the last pic with dogs because look how wholesome this photo is. Also, seems like 1936 was a good dog year!

18

1937

Royalty - Coronation of King George VI - London
PA Images//Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth really outshone her own father at his own coronation with that royal wave. Iconic.

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19

1937

elizabeth ii pictured with her sister princess margaret
Universal History Archive//Getty Images

Here, Queen Elizabeth is pictured alongside her sister Princess Margaret and a seriously stunning floral arrangement. I co-sign.

20

1937

princesses at abbey
Ward//Getty Images

The matching sister 'fits?! If I could add to cart, I would ngl.

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