Queen Elizabeth II

 Before becoming queen, Princess Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service in 1945 during World War II. At age 18, she trained as an auto mechanic, learning to maintain and repair military vehicles, change tires, and work on engines. Her training made her the first female member of the British royal family to serve as a full-time active member of the armed forces. The press even nicknamed her the “Princess Auto Mechanic.” Elizabeth became queen seven years later, in 1952, following the death of her father, King George VI.