Queen Elizabeth II grew up during the middle of World War II and as the Queen Mother refused to leave the UK, the Royal Family remained in the country to support the public.
The family's home, Buckingham Palace, was also bombed repeatedly during the war.
However, the young princess played an active part during the war effort as she donned her own military uniform to serve her country.
Her strong work ethic continued throughout her career as she ascended the throne following the death of her father, King George VI, in February 1952.
She reigned for 70 years before she sadly passed away on September 8, 2022 at the age of 96.
But what was the Queen's role during the war and did she celebrate the end of the war with strangers in 1945?
What was the Queen's role during World War II as a child?
In 1940, Buckingham Palace was bombed five times by Germany as King George VI, the Queen's father, chose to stay in solidarity with other families living through the Blitz.
Following the bombing, the Queen Mother reportedly said: “I am glad we have been bombed. Now we can look the East End in the eye.”
Princess Elizabeth was then moved to Windsor Castle and alongside her sister Margaret, they addressed the nation as millions of children were evacuated across the country.
In the address, Princess Elizabeth said: “My sister Margaret Rose and I feel so much for you, as we know from experience what it means to be away from those you love most of all.”
What was the Queen's role as an adult during World War II?
At the age of 18, the Queen joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service, which was the women’s branch of the British Army during the Second World War.
At the time, unmarried women under the age of 30 were conscripted into the ATS and volunteers aged between 17 and 50 were welcomed to join the war effort.
Members of the ATS carried out duties including as ammunition inspectors and drivers, while some women were able to join anti-aircraft units – although they were not allowed to fire the guns.
Princess Elizabeth trained as a mechanic during the war, passing her driving and vehicle maintenance course on April 14, 1945.
By the end of the Second World War, over 250,000 women served in the ATS and the service was later merged into the Women's Royal Army Corps.
Did the Queen have to learn how to change a tyre during the Second World War?
As part of her role as a mechanic during the war effort, a young Princess Elizabeth was taught how to change a car's tyre as part of her vehicle maintenance course.
The princess began her role with the honorary rank of second subaltern, which is equivalent to second lieutenant in the men’s British Army, and was later promoted to junior commander, which is the equivalent of captain.
Did the Queen celebrate with strangers at the end of the Second World War?
On VE Day in 1945, Elizabeth and Margaret Rose joined their parents on the balcony of Buckingham Palace and were met by an electric atmosphere as many celebrated the end of the war.
They were desperate to be part of the celebrations and a few hours later, Lilibet, 19, and her 14-year-old sister sneaked out of the palace with the blessing of their parents, who agreed “the poor darlings” deserved a little fun at last.
Then, going almost unrecognised, the princesses found themselves dancing with strangers, joining a rowdy conga and cheering up at their waving parents as they appeared again on the balcony.
“I think it was one of the most memorable moments of my life,” the Queen recalled in a rare and candid TV interview in 1985.
“I remember lines of unknown people linking arms and walking down Whitehall, all of us just swept along on a tide of happiness and relief.”
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