Platinum Jubilee: Memorable moments from the Queen's 70 years on the throne
From visiting West Germany to the infamous 'annus horribilis'
As we roll out the picnic tables and union flags to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee Weekend, conversations may well turn to reflect on what the Queen has achieved in her 70-year reign.
When the Queen ascended to the throne the UK still had rationing in place after World War Two, seventy years later and the UK, like the rest of the world, is a very different place.
Her Majesty has seen, and experienced, a lot over the seven decades she has sat upon the throne, here are some of Queen Elizabeth's most memorable moments:
Queen Elizabeth's coronation
1953 - Queen Elizabeth's coronation took place in Westminster Abbey in 1953, when the monarch was just 25-years-old. She succeeded her father George VI, who died at age 56.
The Queen visits west germany
1965 - The Queen visited the the Federal Republic of Germany (or West Germany) for 10 days in 1965, marking the first official visit there by a British royal since 1913 and the 20-year anniversary of the end of World War II. It is thought that this trip helped symbolize the reconciliation between the two countries.
Queen Elizabeth II keeps calm under pressure
1970 - Queen Elizabeth II established herself as a leader who keeps their calm under pressure in 1970 when she didn't break her stride after a guard fainted during that year's Trooping the Colour ceremony. The Queen showed a similar calm when a man fired six blanks at her while she rode past during the Trooping the Colour ceremony in 1981.
Guyana removes the Queen as their head of state
1970 - Guyana removed the Queen as their head of state in 1970. Since this monumental moment, of the 32 countries Queen Elizabeth has acted as sovereign over during her 70 years on the throne, 17 have removed her from that position.
The Queen and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in Zambia
1979 - The Queen and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher attended the Commonwealth Conference together on August 1, 1979 in Lusaka, Zambia. This was seen as a significant display that both church and state were important in chairing the Commonwealth.
The annus horribilis
1992 - The Queen delivered an infamous speech at at Guildhall to mark the 40th anniversary of her Accession, where she referred to 1992 as her 'annus horribilis' - a Latin phrase meaning horrible year. During this year, three of her children's marriages broke down, including the marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and Windsor Castle was severely damaged in a fire.
Memorial of the Dunblane school massacre
1996 - The Queen and Princess Anne attended the memorial of the Dunblane school massacre where 16 children and their teacher lost their lives. Her Royal Highness laid down a memorial wreath at Dunblane Cathedral.
Queen and Prince Philip view floral tributes to Diana
1997 - After the death of Diana, Princess of Wales many criticised how long it took the Queen to make a public statement as she stayed in Scotland with Prince William and Harry. When the Queen and Prince Phillip returned to Buckingham Palace they stopped their car to view all the floral tributes to Diana left at Buckingham Palace.
The Queen declared London's 2012 Olympic Games
2012 - The Queen officially declared London's 2012 Olympic Games open during the official opening ceremony in 2012. During this ceremony, she also filmed a very memorable sketch with Daniel Craig (as James Bond), where she appeared to jump out of a helicopter into a London stadium.
Queen Elizabeth addressed the nation during lockdown
2020 - When the UK entered lockdown, Queen Elizabeth addressed the nation in a special broadcast surrounding the pandemic. During this speech, she praised Britain's "national spirit" in facing the challenge of coronavirus and reassured those "feeling a painful sense of separation from their loved ones" to take comfort in the fact that "We will meet again."
Prince Phillip's death
2021 - In April 2021, the Queen's husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, died at the age of 99. The Queen was pictured sat alone at his funeral due to strict covid-19 restrictions, wearing a mask.
The Queen celebrates her Jubilee
2022 - This year the Queen not only celebrated turning 96, but is celebrating her 70 year reign on the throne. She is pictured here at a reception in the Ballroom of Sandringham House, which is the Queen's Norfolk residence, celebrating the start of her jubilee year.