A QUEEN IS BORN

THERE’S always frenzied excitement when the arrival of a royal baby is imminent and 21 April 1926 was no different.

Even though it was the early hours of the morning and pouring with rain, a small crowd stood on the pavement outside 17 Bruton Street in Mayfair, London, desperately waiting for news.

Finally, at 2.40 am, the new royal was delivered by Caesarean section – and a short while later the imposing front door swung open and the long-awaited announcement was made, causing the crowd to roar with delight.

Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, had been born to the Duke and Duchess of York.

Britain’s longest-reigning monarch was