Congrats to Queen Elizabeth II who marks her Diamond Jubilee on Monday, 6th February 2012 with a message thanking all those who had supported her over her 60-year reign and reaffirming her dedication to serving the British people.
The 85-year-old monarch ascended the throne when her father, George VI, died on Feb. 6, 1952. She is the longest-serving monarch after Queen Victoria, who reigned for more than 63 years.
The queen's Diamond Jubilee will be feted with a series of regional, national and international events throughout 2012.
Over the course of 2012, members of the royal family – including Prince William and his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge – will fan out across the globe and travel to Commonwealth countries including Canada, Jamaica and Belize in honor of the queen's Diamond Jubilee.
The queen and Philip, also known as the Duke of Edinburgh, will stay closer to home, touring the U.K. from March to July.
The 2012 Diamond Jubilee weekend will be held from June 2-5, with the main highlight likely to be a huge pageant on the Thames river featuring a 1,000-strong flotilla.