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Around the world in 80 years: Photos of Queen Elizabeth’s royal trips abroad

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Jessica Cherner
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Sep 8, 2022

During her lifetime, Queen Elizabeth — who passed away Thursday at age 96 — really got around. She traveled the world for both luxury vacations and official royal tours, from cruising in a convertible with Harry Truman in the US to riding elephants in Nepal.

Here are some of the most iconic photos of Her Majesty the Queen, the ultimate globe-trotter, on her glamorous trips around the world.

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Before she was queen, Princess Elizabeth and her sister, Princess Margaret, joined their mother, in walking the grounds at the Kenilworth race course during a 1947 tour of South Africa.
Before she was queen, Princess Elizabeth and her sister, Princess Margaret, joined their mother, in walking the grounds at the Kenilworth race course during a 1947 tour of South Africa.Popperfoto via Getty Images
In 1947, the reigning British royalty, including King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Margaret and Princess Elizabeth, strolled the lawn at the South African Governor-General's Bloemfontein house.
In 1947, the reigning British royalty, including King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Margaret and Princess Elizabeth, strolled the lawn at the South African Governor-General’s Bloemfontein house.Popperfoto via Getty Images
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On a 1951 trip to Washington, DC, President Harry S. Truman and then-Princess Elizabeth took a drive following the reception ceremony at Washington National Airport. The commander-in-chief famously told the princess and her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, "When you leave you will like us even better than when you came."
On a 1951 trip to Washington, DC, President Harry S. Truman and then-Princess Elizabeth took a drive following the reception ceremony at Washington National Airport. The commander-in-chief famously told the princess and her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, “When you leave you will like us even better than when you came.”Bettmann Archive
On the same 1951 Washington, DC, trip, Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip looked on while President Harry Truman gave a speech from the White House.
On the same 1951 Washington, DC, trip, Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip looked on while President Harry Truman gave a speech from the White House.Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth was no stranger to presenting awards. In 1953, she offered the polo Coronation Cup to Argentinian player Juan Alberdi, after Argentina beat England by seven goals in the final of the Coronation Cup at Cowdray Park.
Queen Elizabeth was no stranger to presenting awards. In 1953, she offered the polo Coronation Cup to Argentinian player Juan Alberdi, after Argentina beat England by seven goals in the final of the Coronation Cup at Cowdray Park.Popperfoto via Getty Images
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Queen Elizabeth, wearing a silk gown and a diamond tiara, walked into the State Opening of the Parliament ceremony in Melbourne, Australia, in 1954.
Queen Elizabeth, wearing a silk gown and a diamond tiara, walked into the State Opening of the Parliament ceremony in Melbourne, Australia, in 1954.Getty Images
In 1956, Queen Elizabeth walked by a row of the men of the newly-renamed Queen's Own Nigeria Regiment, Royal West African Frontier Force, at Kaduna Airport in Nigeria, during her Commonwealth Tour.
In 1956, Queen Elizabeth walked by a row of the men of the newly-renamed Queen’s Own Nigeria Regiment, Royal West African Frontier Force, at Kaduna Airport in Nigeria, during her Commonwealth Tour.Corbis via Getty Images
During heDuring her 1957 trip of the United States, Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh were escorted to the Capitol by then-Vice President Richard Nixon for a reception and luncheon.r 1957 Royal Tour of the United States, Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, were escorted to the Capitol by then-Vice President Richard Nixon, for a reception and luncheon.
During her 1957 trip of the United States, Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh were escorted to the Capitol by then-Vice President Richard Nixon for a reception and luncheon.Popperfoto via Getty Images
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Also on the 1957 United States trip, Queen Elizabeth visited a replica of the original settlement at Jamestown, Va., which was founded in 1707.
Also on the 1957 United States trip, Queen Elizabeth visited a replica of the original settlement at Jamestown, Va., which was founded in 1707. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth also attended a football game at the University of Maryland, who was playing the North Carolina Tar Heels, in 1957.
Queen Elizabeth also attended a football game at the University of Maryland, who was playing the North Carolina Tar Heels, in 1957.Popperfoto via Getty Images
In 1961, more than 20 years before the IUCN officially declared tigers endangered, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Prince Jagat-Singh and the Maharanee of Jaipur posed with a dead tiger, which Philip had shot on a hunting excursion in India.
In 1961, more than 20 years before the IUCN officially declared tigers endangered, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Prince Jagat-Singh and the Maharanee of Jaipur posed with a dead tiger, which Philip had shot on a hunting excursion in India. Getty Images
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On the same 1961 trip to India, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip paid a visit to the Taj Mahal.
On the same 1961 trip to India, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip paid a visit to the Taj Mahal.Getty Images
Atop an elephant on a 1961 trip to Nepal, Queen Elizabeth embarked on a rhinoceros hunt from under a parasol.
Atop an elephant on a 1961 trip to Nepal, Queen Elizabeth embarked on a rhinoceros hunt from under a parasol. Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images
In 1963, Robert Kennedy addressed a crowd of Black and white Americans outside the Justice Department in Washington, DC, with Queen Elizabeth in the audience
In 1963, the peak of the Civil Rights Movement, former U.S. Attorney General Robert Kennedy addressed a crowd of Black and white Americans outside Justice Department Washington, D.C., with Queen Elizabeth II at his side. Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
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Queen Elizabeth II spoke from the balcony at City Hall in West Berlin during a 1965 state visit to West Germany.
Queen Elizabeth II spoke from the balcony at City Hall in West Berlin during a 1965 state visit to West Germany. Popperfoto via Getty Images
Shortly after the 1966 Aberfan mining disaster, which killed 116 children and 28 adults, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip drove nearly four hours from London to pay their respects.
Shortly after the 1966 Aberfan mining disaster, which killed 116 children and 28 adults, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip drove nearly four hours from London to pay their respects. Mirrorpix via Getty Images
Clad in a white dress, a departure from her typically colorful outfits, Queen Elizabeth waved to the crowds as she walked to the War Memorial in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1968. She kneeled to place a wreath that honored the Brazilian Unknown Soldier of World War II.
Clad in a white dress, a departure from her typically colorful outfits, Queen Elizabeth waved to the crowds as she walked to the War Memorial in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1968. She kneeled to place a wreath that honored the Brazilian Unknown Soldier of World War II.AP
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In 1968, Queen Elizabeth stood in the back of an open-top Ford limo beside Eduardo Frei Montalva, the former president of Chile, in downtown Santiago.
In 1968, Queen Elizabeth stood in the back of an open-top Ford limo beside Eduardo Frei Montalva, the former president of Chile, in downtown Santiago. Popperfoto via Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip and Princess Anne bundled up in Tuktoyaktuk, one of the Northwest Territories of Canada, to view the midnight sun in 1970.
Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip and Princess Anne bundled up in Tuktoyaktuk, one of the Northwest Territories of Canada, to view the midnight sun in 1970.Getty Images
In 1972, Queen Elizabeth arrived at the Grand Palace in Bangkok during her official visit to Thailand. The Queen, Prince Philip and Princess Anne were hosted by King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit, the extended Thai Royal Family.
In 1972, Queen Elizabeth arrived at the Grand Palace in Bangkok during her official visit to Thailand. The Queen, Prince Philip and Princess Anne were hosted by King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit, the extended Thai Royal Family.CENTRAL PRESS/AFP via Getty Images
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Queen Elizabeth and her daughter, Princess Anne, joined Thai Queen Sirikit for a meal in Bangkok in 1972.
Queen Elizabeth and her daughter, Princess Anne, joined Thai Queen Sirikit for a meal in Bangkok in 1972.picture alliance via Getty Images
Riding horses was one of the Queen's many hobbies. Here, she is in the Scottish countryside looking down at her beloved Balmoral Castle. The photo was taken for use during the Silver Wedding Celebrations in 1972.
Riding horses was one of the Queen’s many hobbies. Here, she is in the Scottish countryside looking down at her beloved Balmoral Castle. The photo was taken for use during the Silver Wedding Celebrations in 1972.Lichfield Archive via Getty Images
For a 1972 state visit to France, Queen Elizabeth and Charles, Prince of Wales, traveled around Avignon in a convertible.
For a 1972 state visit to France, Queen Elizabeth and Charles, Prince of Wales, traveled around Avignon in a convertible.Getty Images
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On a 1975 trip to Kyoto, Japan, Queen Elizabeth sipped green tea during a ceremony in the Garden of the Katsura Imperial Villa.
On a 1975 trip to Kyoto, Japan, Queen Elizabeth sipped green tea during a ceremony in the Garden of the Katsura Imperial Villa.AP
Queen Elizabeth went to Mexico for a 1975 state visit, where she met local children.
Queen Elizabeth went to Mexico for a 1975 state visit, where she met local children. Getty Images
On the same trip to Mexico, the Queen posed in front of an ancient pyramid built during the Mayan civilization.
On the same trip to Mexico, the Queen posed in front of an ancient pyramid built during the Mayan civilization.Getty Images
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As the Constitutional Monarch of the Eastern Caribbean islands of Antigua and Barbuda, the Queen visited several times, including during her Silver Jubilee tour of the Caribbean in 1977.
As the Constitutional Monarch of the Eastern Caribbean islands of Antigua and Barbuda, the Queen visited several times, including during her Silver Jubilee tour of the Caribbean in 1977.Getty Images
Clad in a cloak made of brown kiwi feathers, Queen Elizabeth, along with the Duke of Edinburgh, enjoyed a typical New Zealand Maori welcome at the opening of the 1977 Royal New Zealand Polynesian Festival.
Clad in a cloak made of brown kiwi feathers, Queen Elizabeth, along with the Duke of Edinburgh, enjoyed a typical New Zealand Maori welcome at the opening of the 1977 Royal New Zealand Polynesian Festival.PA Images via Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II enjoyed a cup of tea with the Emir of Bahrain, Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, in 1979. She was the first female head-of-state to the small Middle Eastern country.
Queen Elizabeth II enjoyed a cup of tea with the Emir of Bahrain, Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, in 1979. She was the first female head-of-state to visit the small Middle Eastern country. Getty Images
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Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip participated in a safari during their state visit to Zambia in 1979.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip participated in a safari during their state visit to Zambia in 1979. Getty Images
In 1983, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip stood on the grounds outside the Treetops hotel in Nairobi. Three decades earlier, the Queen was at the same hotel when she learned of her father's death and that she would become the United Kingdom's next monarch.
In 1983, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip stood on the grounds outside the Treetops hotel in Nairobi. Three decades earlier, the Queen was at the same hotel when she learned of her father’s death and that she would become the United Kingdom’s next monarch.Getty Images
A lover of the outdoors, Queen Elizabeth spent time in Yosemite National Park during a tour of the United States in 1983.
A lover of the outdoors, Queen Elizabeth spent time in Yosemite National Park during a tour of the United States in 1983. Getty Images
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During one of several trips to India, in 1983, Queen Elizabeth, was greeted with a typically extravagant welcome reception.
During one of several trips to India, in 1983, Queen Elizabeth, was greeted with a typically extravagant welcome reception. Getty Images
A server offered Queen Elizabeth, who wore what became known as Granny's Tiara, chopsticks during a 1986 state banquet in Peking, China. She also donned a dress printed with peonies, China's national flower.
A server offered Queen Elizabeth, who wore what became known as Granny’s Tiara, chopsticks during a 1986 state banquet in Peking, China. She also donned a dress printed with peonies, China’s national flower. Getty Images
Also during her China trip, the Queen And Prince Philip visited the Great Wall Of China at Badaling, near Beijing.
Also during her China trip, the Queen And Prince Philip visited the Great Wall Of China at Badaling, near Beijing.Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
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Queen Elizabeth offered her famous wave to the crowd outside Madrid's town hall during a 1988 State visit to Spain. She was accompanied by royal equerry Commander Timothy Laurence.
Queen Elizabeth II offered her famous wave to the crowd outside Madrid’s town hall during a 1988 State visit to Spain. She was accompanied by royal equerry Commander Timothy Laurence. PA Images via Getty Images
Though she had a broken wrist during her 1994 visit to Anguilla, Queen Elizabeth kept calm and carried on while greeting local dancers.
Though she had a broken wrist during her 1994 visit to Anguilla, Queen Elizabeth kept calm and carried on while greeting local dancers. PA Images via Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth, with Prince Philip, presented a winning cup to Brazilian soccer player Pelé at a stadium in Rio de Janeiro, during a 1986 state tour of South America.
Queen Elizabeth, with Prince Philip, presented a winning cup to Brazilian soccer player Pelé at a stadium in Rio de Janeiro, during a 1986 state tour of South America.AP
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Accompanied by Vice-Admiral RC Simpson Anderson, the former Chief of the South African Navy, Queen Elizabeth greeted the South African soldiers on her 1997 trip to Cape Town.
Accompanied by Vice-Admiral RC Simpson Anderson, the former Chief of the South African Navy, Queen Elizabeth greeted the South African soldiers on her 1997 trip to Cape Town. AFP via Getty Images
In 1998, Queen Elizabeth II visited Malaysia's King Jaafar in Kuala Lumpur. Her appearance was to officiate the closure of the XVI Commonwealth Games.
In 1998, Queen Elizabeth II visited Malaysia’s King Jaafar in Kuala Lumpur. Her appearance was to officiate the closure of the XVI Commonwealth Games.AFP via Getty Images
After she opened a Trade and Investment Exhibition at the Polana Hotel in Maputo, Mozambique, Queen Elizabeth smiled as she walked past traditional dancers from the National Song and Dance group in 1999.
After she opened a Trade and Investment Exhibition at the Polana Hotel in Maputo, Mozambique, Queen Elizabeth smiled as she walked past traditional dancers from the National Song and Dance group in 1999.AFP via Getty Images
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In 2002, Queen Elizabeth traveled to New Zealand’s Burnham Military Camp, where she was escorted by Colonel Martin Dransfield ONZM and a Maori warrior.
In 2002, Queen Elizabeth traveled to New Zealand’s Burnham Military Camp, where she was escorted by Colonel Martin Dransfield ONZM and a Maori warrior.Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth enjoyed a dance performed by a local Singapore toop during her visit to the Toa Payoh Housing Development Board estate in 2006. It was her first trip to Singapore in nearly two decades.
Queen Elizabeth enjoyed a dance performed by a local Singapore toop during her visit to the Toa Payoh Housing Development Board estate in 2006. It was her first trip to Singapore in nearly two decades. Getty Images
Ice, ice, baby! Queen Elizabeth threw in the puck to officiate the start of a 2008 hockey match between Aqua City Poprad and Guildford Flames in Slovakia, where she embarked on a week-long tour.
Ice, ice, baby! Queen Elizabeth threw in the puck to officiate the start of a 2008 hockey match between Aqua City Poprad and Guildford Flames in Slovakia, where she embarked on a week-long tour. Getty Images
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In 2010, nine years after the the 9/11 terror attacks in New York City, Queen Elizabeth II placed a wreath at Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan.
In 2010, nine years after the the 9/11 terror attacks in New York City, Queen Elizabeth II visited the site and placed a wreath at Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan. AFP via Getty Images
In 2011, Queen Elizabeth headed to Brisbane, Australia, where Queensland Premier Anna Bligh walked her through Rainforest Walk, Southbank--and introduced her to a koala.
In 2011, Queen Elizabeth headed to Brisbane, Australia, where Queensland Premier Anna Bligh walked her through Rainforest Walk, Southbank–and introduced her to a koala.Getty Images
At a 2015 garden party at the British Embassy in Berlin, Queen Elizabeth clinked glasses with the former president of Germany, Joachim Gauck.
At a 2015 garden party at the British Embassy in Berlin, Queen Elizabeth clinked glasses with the former president of Germany, Joachim Gauck.Getty Images
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