The late Queen of England was regal, commanding, sophisticated. We imagine that when she walked in a room — any room — conversations immediately came to a halt and all attention was on her. She was, after all, head of the British monarchy.
It wasn't always that way, though. While she may have become Queen at just 25, it's obvious that over time, Queen Elizabeth got significantly more comfortable in her royal role.
Queen Elizabeth II was the longest reigning British monarch — and obviously with that came some serious confidence — and dare we say swagger. But back when she first took the throne, she seemed slightly less self-assured. She was always a bit on the serious side, making sure to put business first, but she certainly wasn't born with the commanding presence she held later into her lengthy reign.
From Kate Middleton to Prince William, we'll never grow tired of looking at old photos of members of the royal family. But we can't help but pore over these photos of young Queen Elizabeth a little bit longer — especially now that we know we won't be seeing her smiling face again.
Take a walk down memory lane with us, as we share 20 throwback photos of the Queen that will help keep her memory alive for generations to come.
Queen in Motion
First and foremost, let's have a look-see at this old video of Queen Elizabeth. In motion! So young! Crazy!
Baptism by Fire
And here's an old shot of the Queen knighting British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. No pressure there when you're a few years into the job!
Stone Cold Fox!
Look at Queen Elizabeth here! So young! But also not quite yet the boss lady she would later become.
Family Portrait
We're not sure what we love more here: Young Queen Elizabeth or young Prince Charles in a Scottish kilt.
Rugby Meeting
In 2007, the Queen met with players and officials from the New Zealand Rugby League Team. She obviously wasn't mad about it.
Day Date
When the Queen took part in naming a lighthouse ship in London, she and the late Prince Philip made a date of it. Sort of.
Queenie?
Wow! This barely looks like Queen Elizabeth! Here, she was seen smiling in 2007 as King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia left Buckingham Palace.
Hair, Baby
The Queen would eventually decide upon her signature look, but in 2007, she had a brief stint with super short hair.
Party Time
The Queen was clearly ready to party when she hung out with then-French President Nicolas Sarkozy during a state visit in 2008. Love the dress.
Royal Ascot
The Queen seemed less than enthused at Royal Ascot in 2010. We always thought it was one of her favorite events.
Wimbledon
When Queen Elizabeth hit up Wimbledon in 2010, she had a lewk going on. Looking good!
New York Minute
Is it just us or was it easy to see how Prince Harry looks like his grandmother here during a 2010 visit to New York?
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Walk-Through
While she certainly has a presence here, it's nothing like what it would later become. Keep riding, kids!
Windy City
Check out the Queen braving gale-force winds during an official visit in 2011! Obviously, red was her power color.
Royal Wedding!
Of course, Prince William and Kate Middleton were the stars of their own wedding in 2011, but Queen Elizabeth was iconic.
Pattern Play
The dress that the Queen rocked in 2011 is similar to something Kate Middleton would wear today — maybe that's where the Duchess of Cambridge gets some of her style inspo from.
Bucolic Vibes
If Queen Elizabeth isn't a total vibe here, really, we're not sure what is. Fierce.
Bright & Happy
A few weeks after William and Kate's wedding, the Queen was spotted in this bright and happy dress. Classic.
Cheeky Queenie
We love the cheeky look on Queen Elizabeth's face here. Maybe that's where Harry gets it.
Lipstick Lady
Obviously, the Queen found her color lipstick, but we think she should have worn this fun bright pink more often.
