Palace releases NEW photo on Queen birthday, tells 'unexpected' way she got Crown

Buckingham Palace is celebrating Queen Elizabeth II birthday with an adorable throwback photo.

The Royal Family official Instagram account shared a photo of the monarch back when she was two-years-old and narrated the story of how little Lilibet 'unexpectedly' became Queen.

"Happy Birthday Your Majesty!

"Today as The Queen turns 96, we’re sharing this photograph taken when she was 2-years-old.

"Then Princess Elizabeth, she was the eldest daughter of The Duke and Duchess of York and was never expected to become Queen. Her life changed in 1936 when her uncle, King Edward VIII abdicated, her father became King George VI and the young Princess became the heir presumptive.

"Following the sad death of her father in 1952, Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II aged just 25, and this year is celebrating 70 years on the throne - a first in British history," the note concluded.

It is reported that Queen is currently celebrating her birthday at Sandringham to be closer to late husband Prince Philip's home and their memories together.