From the archives: Princess Elizabeth’s 21st birthday, 21 April, 1947
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was born in a private house at No. 17 Bruton Street, London, on April 21, 1926. She was christened on May 29 in the private chapel of Buckingham Palace, which was shattered by a German bomb years later. Thanks to the happy family atmosphere with which she was always surrounded, and the determination of her parents to guard her in her earliest years from publicity and officialdom, she has grown up natural, unspoilt, and charming. To a greater extent than any of her predecessors she has been able to enjoy the freedom of family life. Her education has been careful and comprehensive. In addition to an excellent background of general knowledge she is reputed to have a sound grasp of modern history. She speaks French as fluently as her own language.
• archive.scotsman.com