As a child, Queen Elizabeth II never knew she would one day govern the entire British Commonwealth.
It was a responsibility for which she was unprepared, but which she took quite seriously.
On her 21st birthday in April 1947, she and her family were on tour in South Africa.
Theheartfelt speechreflected Elizabeth’s awareness of the future that lay ahead.
The princess was called on to make good on that vow sooner than she may have anticipated.
As queen, she continued her military tradition by serving as head of the armed forces.
The queen was gracious and welcoming as ever as she formalized the government’s new transition.
Having fulfilled her 75-year vow to her subjects, Elizabeth II made her own final transition.
