The Buckingham

Photo Credit: www.theaustralian.com

Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom has been monarch for 60 years.

Over the weekend of June 2-5, celebrations in honor of the Queen have been taking place.  On June 2, the Epsom Derby was held, while on June 3, a river pageant on the Thames took place.  The Queen and the rest of the royal family, including Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, were in attendance.  June 4 will see a Royal Concert take place, with attendance and performances by Elton John and Paul McCartney.  The final day, June 5, will commence with a Thanksgiving dinner and a carriage procession.

In preparation for her Diamond Jubilee, the Queen visited various towns all across the United Kingdom.

In the United Kingdom, the Diamond Jubilee is celebrated at the mark of the monarch’s 60th year of rule.  Aside from Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Victoria is the only other British monarch to reach 60 years.

Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926 and ascended to the throne on February 6, 1952.  She has been married to Prince Phillip since 1947, and has two children, Prince Charles and Princess Anne.

The last major Royal event was the wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29, 2011.