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Helen Levitt, New York, c. 1940.

In 1947, King George VI, then Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) and princesses Elizabeth (later the Queen) and Margaret toured South Africa in 1947. It was the princesses’ first trip abroad. While there, Elizabeth turned 21 and delivered a speech where she famously stated, “I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.” Princess Margaret, King George VI and Princess Elizabeth are seen here at Royal Natal National Park in KwaZulu Natal state. On the same trip, Elizabeth looked relaxed and happy as she spent her 21st birthday reading in Royal Natal National Park in South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal state.