A lifetime of SERVICE

For 96 years, the Queen has been a part of every memorable moment in our history. We remember 10 of the best

- MICHELLE HATHER

Whenever Britain celebrates, the Queen celebrates with us. For every important event for almost 100 years, Her Majesty has joined her subjects to mark the occasion. And from solemn to silly, she usually hits the right note, reflecting the nation’s mood at the time.

It’s not easy, always putting on a public face no matter what is happening in private. So, from us all to you, thank you, Ma’am!

Our new Queen

Just 16 years earlier, aged 11, Elizabeth had been at her father’s coronation. Now, in 1953, it was her turn. The young Queen and her handsome consort, Prince Philip, rode in the Gold State Coach to Westminster Abbey, where the Archbishop of Canterbury placed the St Edward’s Crown upon her head. Millions held street parties and the day ended on a high with news that Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay had conquered Mount Everest.

A Christmas tradition

After her coronation, Her Majesty followed her grandfather and father with a Christmas Day radio broadcast from Sandringham. But in 1957, she switched to television. Since then, she has missed just one year, 1969, when a documentary, Royal Family, was broadcast instead. Last Christmas, her message paid tribute to her late husband, Prince Philip, and she told us that ‘Christmas can speak to the child within us all’.

1966 World Cup