Our sapphire queen: Elizabeth II to celebrate 65 years on the throne next week
THE Queen becomes the first monarch in British history to celebrate a sapphire jubilee when she marks 65 years on the throne next week.
Royal Mint cast coins to mark the Queen's Sapphire Jubilee
The record-breaking monarch, 90, will reach the milestone on February 6.
However, there are no plans for a public celebration and sources suggest the Queen will spend the day in “quiet reflection” at Sandringham.
The Queen becomes the first monarch in British history to celebrate a sapphire jubilee
Although it is a happy occasion, the day provides a poignant reminder to the Queen of the sudden loss of her beloved father and predecessor King George VI.
His death on February 6 1952 hurried the 25-year-old Queen to the throne.
The Queen on 02 June 1953 after being crowned solemnly at Westminter Abbey in London
Queen Elizabeth II's dresses on display at Buckingham Palace
Royal sources suggest she will spend the day in “quiet reflection” at Sandringham.
To mark the occasion, the Royal Mint has cast special coins - including one worth £50,000.
The record-breaking monarch, 90, will reach the milestone on February 6
Five years ago the Queen became only the second monarch, after Queen Victoria, to reach 60 years on the throne.
That achievement was widely celebrated, with a 1,000 strong flotilla including Dunkirk ships and dragon boats parading down the River Thames to mark her Golden Jubilee.
The Queen also opened up the Palace gardens to thousands of picnickers, who were presented with special Jubilee hampers.