Queen Elizabeth Had the Most Unusual—and Important—Job During World War II

Technically, she was Princess Elizabeth back then.

Queen Elizabeth II died on Sept. 8, 2022, at age 96 following 70 years on the throne—but her life of service didn't begin with her reign.

When she was 14 years old, then-Princess Elizabeth gave a speech to BBC’s Children’s Hour to displaced children who evacuated from their U.K. homes due to bombing in the war. Later, footage of Elizabeth gathering produce from her garden to combat food shortages was also released.

It was just the beginning of her service during World War II. What was Queen Elizabeth's job in WWII? Read on to hear all about her official job during the second (and hopefully the last!) World War.

Related: See Photos of Queen Elizabeth II Through the Years

What was Queen Elizabeth's job in WWII?

Princess Elizabeth got her first "job" in World War II on her 16th birthday (April 24, 1942) when she inspected a military regiment during a parade at Windsor Castle.

When Princess Elizabeth was 18, she joined the women's branch of the British military, then known as the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS). She began her service as a second subaltern, eventually becoming a Junior Commander.

Related: Tributes Pour In After Queen Elizabeth II's Death

What was Queen Elizabeth's role in the army?

Elizabeth's father, King George VI, reportedly made sure she didn't get any special treatment or titles during her tenure in the military. She enlisted as a second subaltern in the British Army and served as a mechanic. She was later promoted to a Junior Commander, the U.K. equivalent to a Captain in the U.S. military.

Related: Who Is Next In Line for the Throne After Queen Elizabeth II?

Was Queen Elizabeth II in the military?

Princess Elizabeth served in the military as a mechanic in World War II. She spent most of her days at the Mechanical Transport Training Section in Camberley, Surrey, England—never on the frontlines, as women were prohibited from actually fighting in the war. She returned home to sleep at Windsor Castle each night instead of resting at the military camp with her fellow ATS members.

Related: Inside Queen Elizabeth II's Royal Family Tree

Did the Queen rule during WW2?

Queen Elizabeth II didn't rule during World War II. The war began when she was just 13 years old and her father, King George VI, reigned.

Elizabeth II became Queen after King George VI died in 1952. Her reign began on Feb. 6, 1952, six and a half years after World War II ended in Europe on May 8, 1945, and officially ended on Sept. 2, 1945.

Next, find out how much Queen Elizabeth II was worth when she died.