The Queen's reign in pictures as monarch marks 70 years on throne
QUEEN ELIZABETH II today marks seven decades since she ascended the throne following the death of her father, King George VI. Express.co.uk looks back at the Queen's reign in pictures as the nation marks this historic milestone.
With the Queen's reign starting back in 1952, today (February 6, 2022) the Queen marks an astonishing 70 years on the throne with her Platinum Jubilee. The Queen's reign, which began when she was just 25, has been marked with incredible highs, as well as devastating lows.
The Queen's reign in pictures
Here are some of the most poignant images from the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
1952
On February 7, 1952, Queen Elizabeth II returned to England from Kenya following the sudden death of her father, King George VI, on February 6. Then-Princess Elizabeth had recently embarked on a tour of the Commonwealth when her father died aged 56 at Sandringham House in Norfolk.
1953
Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh waved at crowds from the Buckingham Palace balcony after the Queen's coronation at Westminster Abbey on June 2, 1953. The coronation took place 16 months after the Queen initially ascended the throne.
1960
The Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles, Princess Anne and the Royal Family's latest arrival, Prince Andrew, posed for a photo outside Balmoral Castle in Scotland. One of the Queen's beloved dogs, who have become synonymous with the Queen's reign, is seen perched in the background.
1964
The Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Andrew and baby Prince Edward appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony in 1964 for Trooping the Colour, the Queen's annual birthday parade.
1970
The Royal Family pictured in their living room at Buckingham Palace on the Queen and Prince Philip's wedding anniversary in 1970.
1977
Swathes of the public had come out to celebrate the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977. The Queen is pictured in her state coach weaving through the crowds.
1981
The Queen joined newlyweds Prince Charles and Princess Diana on the Buckingham Palace balcony in 1981. Charles and Diana tied the knot at St Paul's Cathedral and remained married until their divorce in 1996.
2002
The Queen and Prince Philip were joined by several European royals, including Queen Margrethe of Denmark and Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, to mark the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 2002.
2012
The Queen was joined by Prince Charles and the newly married Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for her Diamond Jubilee balcony appearance in 2012.
2021
In April 2021, the Queen said goodbye to her beloved husband of more than 70 years, Prince Philip. The Duke of Edinburgh died aged 99, and his funeral took place during the COVID-19 pandemic.