The Vow 21-Year-Old Queen Elizabeth Never Broke As Queen

Even before her crowning, Elizabeth II had already proven her commitment to her country during World War II. As a full-time member of the Auxiliary Territorial Service — the first female royal to serve in that capacity — she became such a skilled truck driver and repairer that she was known as “Princess Auto Mechanic,” per Popular Mechanics. As queen, she continued her military tradition by serving as head of the armed forces. She also ensured the monarchy would continue for generations to come by producing her “heir and spares” — King Charles III and his three younger siblings — and training both Charles and future king William, Prince of Wales, in all things royal.

Long after most people are ready to spend their retirement years taking relaxing cruises and learning a hobby or two, the queen maintained an active working schedule. She visited Commonwealth countries, awarded numerous knighthoods and other honors, hosted dozens of banquets and garden parties, opened each State Session of Parliament, and presided over the annual Trooping the Colour military parade, to name just a few of her duties. As monarch, Elizabeth was also expected to host many foreign heads of state, and she met with 13 out of the 14 U.S. presidents who served during her lifetime. She was also expected to stay neutral in matters of politics, and so she did — though the queen appeared to share strong feelings about Donald Trump during his 2019 visit by wearing a brooch given to her by Barack Obama.