A beaming Queen Elizabeth II appeared at the famous Epson Derby, a premier horse-racing festival in London as cheering, flag-waving crowds greeted her. In Britain, four days of parties, pageantry and concerts are underway to mark Queen Elizabeth II ’s 60 years on the throne. 

Only one British monarch has spent longer than the current queen on the throne -- Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901. It’s just over a year since London’s streets saw the last major royal event, the marriage of the queen’s grandson, Prince William, to Kate Middleton. 

Royal Celebrations

During the Diamond Jubilee year, the queen and her husband Prince Philip have embarked on a tour of the United Kingdom traveling as widely as possible. After the celebrations, the queen will continue on her tour of Britain and Scotland. The queen has also asked her family to represent her on trips abroad. We've already seen Prince Harry journey to The Bahamas, Belize and Jamaica. 

Queen's Royal Barge with Tower Bridge across River Thames

On Sunday, June 4, the largest flotilla of nearly a 1000-boats led by the royal barge will parade down a section of London's Thames River. On Monday, Buckingham Palace will feature a live concert with stars such as Paul McCartney, Elton John and Tom Jones, all of whom have been knighted by the queen. The celebrations conclude on Tuesday with thanksgiving at St. Paul's Cathedral, followed by a royal lunch and a gun salute.

Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II has seen more changes than any monarch in all of England’s history. The image of Ascension Day in February 1952 when she took the throne is still fresh in British minds. When her beloved father King George VI died, 26-year-old Elizabeth was in the treetops of Kenya. A makeshift, solemn coronation was arranged, and she came back to a mourning country and a big burden on her shoulders as her country was drawn into the World War. 

The world has changed dramatically since her coronation. Elizabeth has seen the gradual fall of the British Empire, as former colonies became independent. She has witnessed the collapse of communism, man walk on the moon and some of the greatest technological changes. Today, she is credited with moving the monarchy to modern times, and her forward-thinking and openness has earned her the love of her subjects.

That love is clearly on display on the streets of London and across the United Kingdom and its territories. Below is a video tribute from her son, Prince Charles who was married to deceased Princess Diana.