As the world mourns the loss of the Queen and welcomes a new King, many have been taking a look back over the monarch's incredible 70 years of service. Royal fans have paid tribute, shared memories and left gifts and letters outside royal palaces, thanking Queen Elizabeth II for all she did.
But it might surprise some people to know that she was never actually meant to be Queen - and it was only a twist of fate in 1936 that saw the then young Princess become the heir apparent to the throne and ultimately end up wearing the crown.
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The Queen was born in 1926 and at that time her grandfather, George V was the king. For the first few years of Princess Elizabeth's life, there was no expectation she would ever be the monarch.
The Queen's uncle, Edward VIII became king in January 1936 following the death of George V. He was proclaimed King and any children he went on to have would have been next in line for the throne.
However, in December 1936, less than a year after he started ruling, Edward VIII became the first English monarch to voluntarily abdicate the throne.
Edward had fallen in love with an American divorcee, Wallis Simpson and wanted to marry her. However, the British government, the public and the Church of England condemned the union, as Wallis had already been married.
In his radio address, Edward explained: "I have found it impossible to carry on the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge the duties of king, as I would wish to do, without the help and support of the woman I love."
Following this, his younger brother, Elizabeth's father, was proclaimed King George VI.
This changed the line of succession, meaning the then 10-year-old Princess Elizabeth would one day become Queen.
And then, 15 years and 57 days later on February 6, 1952, this is exactly what happened.
The Queen's father was found dead in his bed that morning by his valet, making Elizabeth the Queen.
Her Majesty, just 25 years old at the time, was in Kenya on an official visit.
Her husband, Prince Philip was the first one to be told the news about the King's death. He is reported to have covered his face in shock when he heard, saying "this will be such a blow".
He then gently asked his wife to accompany him on a stroll outside, where he broke the news to her of her father's death and that she was now the Queen.
It was a life-changing moment for the couple.
The Queen was coronated in 1953 and dedicated her life to service until her death on September 8, 2022.
