The Educational Journey of Queen Elizabeth II: From Home Schooling to Oxford
Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, has had a remarkably accomplished life. Born in 1926, she wasn’t expected to ascend to the throne, but her life took a different turn when her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated in 1936. From then on, her education became an essential part of her grooming as a future queen. In this blog, we will delve into the educational journey of Queen Elizabeth II, from her early years of homeschooling to her years at Oxford.
Early Years of Homeschooling
Queen Elizabeth II’s education began at home, where she received lessons from private tutors. Her father, King George VI, and her mother, Queen Elizabeth, were actively involved in her education and made sure that she received a well-rounded education. Her mother was an advocate of the Montessori method of education, which emphasized independence and practical skills.
By the age of six, Princess Elizabeth had started studying history, geography, mathematics, and French. She was also taught needlework, drawing, and dancing. Although she was brought up to be a future queen, her parents made sure that her education was not restricted to politics and governance alone.
Formal Education at Boarding School
In 1938, Princess Elizabeth was enrolled along with her sister Princess Margaret at the Holles School in London, where she studied alongside other girls of her age. One year later, due to the outbreak of World War II, the princess moved to Windsor Castle, where she was taught by private tutors.
In 1943, Princess Elizabeth was sent to the Francis Bardsley School for Girls in Essex, where she completed her education before being promoted to Crown Princess. After that, she was enrolled in the Collegiate School in Windsor, where she studied history, French, and mathematics.
University Education at Oxford
In 1946, Princess Elizabeth was given permission by her father to undertake official duties on behalf of the Crown. Later, she was offered a place at Oxford University to study politics, philosophy, and economics, but she declined the offer as she wanted to focus on her royal duties.
In 1971, when the Queen was 45 years old, she enrolled at the University of London to study law. She took classes in constitutional law, international law, and taxation and completed her studies in 1976, earning a degree in law.
Conclusion
Queen Elizabeth II’s educational journey began with home schooling and continued at boarding school before she took on the role of Crown Princess. Although she declined the offer to study at Oxford University, she later undertook a degree in law at the University of London. Throughout her education, she received a well-rounded, comprehensive education that provided her with the skills she needed to be a successful monarch.
