12 Rare Vintage Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Teenage Princess
12 Rare Vintage Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Teenage Princess
Stephanie SengweTue, April 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM UTC
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Princess ElizabethCredit: Studio Lisa/Hulton Archive/Getty
Before she was the longest-reigning monarch to ever serve her country, Queen Elizabeth was known as Princess Elizabeth, the eldest daughter to King George VI and his wife Queen Elizabeth I, and big sister to Princess Margaret.
Prior to her father's death in 1952, Princess Elizabeth lived a relatively quiet life, spending her teen years under the tutelage of her parents and fostering some of the interests that would become lifelong passions. She became queen at age 25 and entered immediately into a life of service to her country, leaving her more carefree pursuits behind.
As we mark what would have been her 100th birthday, see vintage photos from the late monarch's teenage years, below.
01 of 12
The Princess and Her Horse
Princess ElizabethCredit: Topical Press Agency/Getty
A lifelong horse lover, Princess Elizabeth posed with her four-legged friend for her 13th birthday portrait in 1939.
02 of 12
Team Player
Princess Elizabeth with her swimming teamCredit: Topical Press Agency/Hulton Archive/Getty
Princess Elizabeth, far left, was pictured with the rest of the Challenge Cup swimming team ahead of practice at the Bath Club in 1939.
03 of 12
Keeping an Eye
Princesses Elizabeth, Princess MargaretCredit: George W. Hales/Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty
The royal sisters looked on as attendees came to view an exhibition of royal treasures in their childhood home at 145 Piccadilly in London.
04 of 12
Dog Lover
Princess ElizabethCredit: Lisa Sheridan/Hulton Archive/Getty
Famous for her affection towards corgis, the future queen cuddled a Pembroke Welsh corgi in April 1940.
05 of 12
Family of Four
The Royal Family in 1940Credit: Lisa Sheridan/Studio Lisa/Hulton Archive/Getty
The royal family enjoyed a day on the grounds with their pups in this sweet pic from 1940.
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Teens Will Be Teens
Princess ElizabethCredit: Lisa Sheridan/Studio Lisa/Hulton Archive/Getty
A contemplative Princess Elizabeth was pictured curled up with a book during the summer of 1940.
07 of 12
Pretty in Pink
Queen Elizabeth with Princess Elizabeth and Princess MargaretCredit: Lisa Sheridan/Studio Lisa/Hulton Archive/Getty
Queen Elizabeth and her two daughters, wearing matching pink ensembles, posed for a photo on the Windsor Castle grounds in 1941.
08 of 12
Scouts Honor
Princess ElizabethCredit: Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty
The future queen proudly wore her Girl Guides uniform for a portrait in 1943.
09 of 12
Afternoon Stroll
The Royal FamilyCredit: Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty
Princess Elizabeth and her family toured the Sandringham Park grounds, which were being used for agricultural purposes to contribute to the war efforts, in August 1943.
10 of 12
Star Performer
Princesses Margaret and Princess ElizabethCredit: Lisa Sheridan/Studio Lisa/Hulton Archive/Getty
Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret donned elaborate dresses as they prepared to perform in a Christmas pantomine, Old Mother Red Riding Boots, at Windsor Castle in 1944.
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On Tour
Credit: Chris Ware/Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty
The 19-year-old princess joined her fellow London residents in celebration on May 9, 1945, the day after VE Day.
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The King and His Princesses
King George VI, Princess Elizabeth and Princess MargaretCredit: Lisa Sheridan/Studio Lisa/Hulton Archive/Getty
King George enjoyed an afternoon with his two girls while at the Royal Lodge at Windsor in this sweet photo from 1946.
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