Introducing the Museum
Talks & Tours, IWM North
The Queen and Princess Elizabeth talk to a camouflaged sniper during a visit to Airborne Forces. Princess Elizabeth carried out her first public engagement in 1943 aged 16. She accompanied the King and Queen on many of their tours around the UK.
Princess Elizabeth watching parachutists dropping in preparation for the Normandy Landings. On her visit to Airborne Forces in May 1944, Princess Elizabeth met airborne troops who would play a key role in the operation.
Princess Elizabeth (centre) with officers of the ATS Training Centre. Princess Elizabeth joined the ATS in 1945 at the age of 19. Her father was initially against her undertaking national service. However, Elizabeth persuaded him to change his mind.
After joining the ATS, Princess Elizabeth trained as a driver and mechanic with the rank of Second Subaltern. Five months later she was promoted to Junior Commander, which was the equivalent of Captain.
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth with Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, and Winston Churchill, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. On VE day, the Royal Family appeared on the balcony at Buckingham Palace to acknowledge the crowds celebrating below.
Pre-booked learning sessions (all costs include VAT):
The shop is on the ground floor. Only ten pupils, accompanied by a teacher or adult, should go in at a time.
Access to the Air Shard is from the Ground Floor near the shop. Only ten pupils, accompanied by a teacher or adult, should visit at a time.
The lifts are intended for elderly and disabled visitors only.
The toilets are on the Ground Floor. Please be aware that other visitors will be using these.
The Lunch Room is situated on the ground floor. Schools must pre-book a minimum of a welcome talk to book a slot. Each timeslot lasts 30 minutes. If your group is less than 80 we cannot offer exclusive use.
You must leave by the Group Entrance.
Please see our Visitor Information for more detailed information on accessibility.
Talks & Tours, IWM North
Family events, IWM North
Family events, Talks & Tours, IWM North
Family events, IWM North
Family events, IWM North
Family events, IWM North
Family events, IWM North
Family events, IWM North
Family events, IWM North
Family events, IWM North

From the World Wars to the Cold War, IWM gives teachers and students in UK schools everything they need to explore the course, causes and consequences of conflict from the First World War to today.
IWM is a charity, and we depend on supporters like you to help us care for and display our exceptional Collections. Please consider making a donation today.