--- title: "Queen Elizabeth II’s time in WWII makes her the most hardcore head of state" description: "The hats, the crowns... Everyone loves the British Monarchy. But did you Queen Elizabeth II served as a mechanic during WWII?" date: "2020-11-17" modified: "2020-11-17" authors: - name: "Eric Milzarski" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/eric/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/popular/queen-elizabeth-ii-wwii/" categories: - "History" - "War History" - "World War II" --- # Queen Elizabeth II’s time in WWII makes her the most hardcore head of state ![]() The British monarchy has a long tradition of military service, but there has only been one woman from the British royal family to ever serve in the Armed Forces. That's right, Queen Elizabeth II served in WWII. --- When WWII ravaged Europe, nearly everyone stood up to defend their homeland. Men, women, farmers, and businessmen did their duty alike. This includes then-[Princess Elizabeth](). Like her father, who served in WWI, she enlisted on her 18th birthday despite being in the line of succession for the throne and her father's reluctance. Princess Elizabeth enrolled in the Women's Auxilary Territorial Service (ATS), similar to the American Women's Army Corps, where many women actively served in highly valuable support roles. Responsibilities of the ATS included serving as radio operators, anti-aircraft gunners and spotlight operators, and, her occupation, as mechanics and drivers. ![Queen Elizabeth II working as a mechanic during WWII. ]() *Her Royal Highness The Princess Elizabeth II at work. (Image via War Archives)* It wasn't a lavish position, but despite the grit and grime, she didn't symbolically change a single tire and call herself a mechanic. She took her duties very seriously and she was [spectacular](). She took great pride in her work and loved every moment of it. *Collier's Magazine* [wrote]() at the time that "one of her major joys was to get dirt under her nails and grease stains on her hands, and display these signs of labor to her friends." She learned to drive every vehicle she worked on, which includes the Tilly light truck and ambulances. On VE Day, The Princess Elizabeth slipped away with her sister to cheer with the crowds. The war was finally over and no one recognized the Princesses as they walked through the crowds incognito. ![Queen Elizabeth II poses by a rescue vehicle during WWII. ]() *You know you're in good hands when a Princess comes to save you from trouble. (Image via History)* Less than a decade later, she would be crowned the Queen of England. Her independent spirit has endured to this day, as she [isn't a fan]() of being chauffeured around when she can drive herself. ### Related: [This female WWII veteran terrified a Saudi King while driving him around]() To watch some archival footage of *Her Most Excellent and Britannic Majesty, Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and of Her Other Realms and Territories, Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith* in her younger, WWII days, watch the video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2grMaRttws ([War Archives]() | YouTube) ## Author Eric is a U.S. Army veteran and was deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan with the 101st Airborne Division where he served as a radio operator. After being honorably discharged, he then pursued a career in the film and television world.He is now the resident "nerd" at We Are The Mighty. To follow Eric on social media: please check out the links below. [Facebook]()