If you’re typing how old is the queen of uk into a search bar right now, you’re likely hitting a bit of a historical crossroads. It’s a simple question with a surprisingly layered answer. Honestly, depending on who you’re actually thinking of—the late Elizabeth II or the current Queen Camilla—the numbers change significantly.
Right now, in early 2026, the woman carrying the title of Queen is Camilla. Born on July 17, 1947, she is currently 78 years old. She’ll be hitting 79 later this summer.
But let’s be real. When most people think of "The Queen," their minds still go straight to Elizabeth II. She was the fixture of British life for seven decades. Had she lived to see this year, 2026 would have been a massive, nation-stopping milestone.
The Centenary of Elizabeth II
We are currently in the year of what would have been Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday. She was born on April 21, 1926. Even though she passed away in September 2022 at the age of 96, the UK is currently buzzing with centenary celebrations.
It’s a weird feeling for a lot of people. You’ve got a whole generation of Brits who never knew another monarch until recently.
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- Birth Date: April 21, 1926
- Passed Away: September 8, 2022
- Age at Death: 96 years, 4 months
- 2026 Significance: Her 100th birth anniversary
There’s a huge "Life in Style" exhibition happening at The King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace this year. It's basically a massive walk through her wardrobe, showing how her look changed from a wartime princess to the "grandmother of the nation." If you're in London, it's the thing to see.
Meeting the Current Queen: How Old is Camilla?
Since the accession of King Charles III, the title of Queen belongs to Camilla. There was a lot of talk early on about her being "Queen Consort," but since the coronation in 2023, the "Consort" part has mostly been dropped in daily conversation and official branding.
Camilla is 78.
She’s actually a bit older than King Charles III, who was born in November 1948. She has been surprisingly active given her age, especially considering the health challenges the King has faced over the last couple of years. While people often focus on the younger royals like William and Catherine, the "Senior Royals" are definitely getting up there in years.
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Comparing the Ages of the British Royals in 2026
Age is a big topic in the Palace right now. The "slimmer monarchy" that Charles always wanted is definitely happening, but it means the people doing the work are older than in previous decades.
- Queen Camilla: 78 (Turning 79 in July)
- King Charles III: 77 (Turning 78 in November)
- Princess Anne: 75
- Prince Edward: 61
- Prince William: 43 (Turning 44 in June)
It’s a mature group. Honestly, the workload they carry is pretty intense for people in their late 70s. You see Camilla at book festivals, state dinners, and charity events almost weekly. She’s famously a "country person" at heart, which probably helps keep her stamina up.
Why We Still Ask About Elizabeth’s Age
The reason how old is the queen of uk remains such a popular search term is because of the sheer weight of Elizabeth II's legacy. She reigned for 70 years. That is an absurdly long time. Most people alive today literally never knew a world where she wasn't on the stamps or the coins.
When she died at 96, she was just a few years shy of that magic 100 number. In the UK, when you turn 100, the monarch sends you a telegram. People always joked about whether she’d have to send one to herself.
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We didn't get to see that, but 2026 is still serving as a year of reflection. There’s a new national memorial being planned for St. James’s Park. Lord Robin Janvrin, who used to be her private secretary, is heading up the committee for it. They’re looking to create something that isn’t just a statue, but a permanent space that captures her "spirit of service."
What to Keep an Eye On This Year
If you’re following royal news because you’re interested in the current Queen, keep an eye on the Spring 2026 State Visits. Camilla is expected to take a lead role in hosting international dignitaries at Balmoral and Buckingham Palace.
Also, look out for the April 21st commemorations. Even though she is no longer with us, the 100th anniversary of Elizabeth II's birth will likely be the biggest royal news event of the first half of the year.
Your Action Plan for Following the Royals in 2026:
- Visit the King’s Gallery: If you are in London between spring and autumn, book tickets for the "Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style" exhibition. It features over 200 items from her personal archive.
- Check the Royal Diary: The official website (royal.uk) is surprisingly good at listing where Queen Camilla and King Charles will be. If you want to see them in person, that’s your best bet.
- Follow the Memorial Progress: The design for the permanent Elizabeth II memorial is expected to be finalized and potentially unveiled in its concept form this year.
Basically, the Queen of the UK is 78, but the memory of the Queen who lived to be 96 is still very much the engine driving the British monarchy today.