FROM PRIVATE GATHERINGS TO STATE OCCASIONS, THE QUEEN WAS ALWAYS HAPPIEST WITH HER FAMILY

Elizabeth II once said that being that matters", but when she died, she was not only a mother, but also a grandmother of eight and a proud great-grandmother of 12.

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Along with the official events and public highlights of her reign, she had many personal milestones to celebrate, from weddings to new arrivals.

Nothing gave the Queen more pleasure than being surrounded by her nearest and dearest, and family gatherings gave her a chance to enjoy simple pastimes, from summer barbecues to watching the children decorate a Christmas tree.

'MARVELLOUS MOTHER'

Her family adored her, too. Her only daughter, the Princess Royal, called her "a marvellous mother", while granddaughter Princess Eugenie said: "She just loves having us around."