The Queen prepares to mark record-breaking Platinum Jubilee year

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On Sunday 6th February, the Queen is expected to privately mark Accession Day - the day that her father King George VI died in 1952, and she became Queen.

Her Majesty viewed jubilee memorabilia and cards from well-wishers ahead of a weekend that will mark the start of her record-breaking Platinum Jubilee year, marking 70 years on the throne and making her the first monarch to ever reach that milestone.

 

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The Prince of Wales has has led tributes to the Queen on her Platinum Jubilee, for the "remarkable achievement" of reaching 70 years on the throne.

Prince Charles welcomed his mother's wish that Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, be known as Queen Consort when he becomes King. He said he and his wife were "deeply conscious of the honour".

The Queen, who is 95, is the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee. Her reign began when she was 25 years old, following the death of her father, George VI, on 6 February 1952.

Clive Myrie presents BBC News at Ten. Reporting by Nicholas Witchell.

 

[harrylee]

Good for her. I was born there in 52. I am not a big fan of the royalty, but my mom was.

 

[Tecumsehsbones]

She's a smart, dignified lady, and a really good symbolic leader.

She's the only Head of State or government in the world who was alive in WWII.

 

[Tecumsehsbones]

Britain has had some great kings and some great queens, but I would argue that its three greatest monarchs, each for her time, were Elizabeth I, Victoria, and Elizabeth II.

 

[Mowich]

She's a smart, dignified lady, and a really good symbolic leader.

She's the only Head of State or government in the world who was alive in WWII.

Princess Elizabeth learning car maintenance in 1945. Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix/Mirrorpix via Getty
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When she turned 18, at her own insistence, Princess Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), where she trained as a truck driver and mechanic.

 

[Tecumsehsbones]

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Princess Elizabeth learning car maintenance in 1945. Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix/Mirrorpix via Getty
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When she turned 18, at her own insistence, Princess Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), where she trained as a truck driver and mechanic.

She has never looked more like the Queen of her people than in that photo.

Thanks, Mo.

Inside her age-ravaged body, the spirit of that woman carries on.

 

[Mowich]

She has never looked more like the Queen of her people than in that photo.

Thanks, Mo.

Inside her age-ravaged body, the spirit of that woman carries on.

You are welcome, Tec. I have so much respect for Queen Elizabeth.

 

[Tecumsehsbones]

The part that impressed me most is she was already a young adult in the forelock-tugging days. Her management of the transition from Dread Sovereign Who Must Be Bowed Down To to TV Celebrity, all whilst dealing with the fallout of her dumb kids' conduct, all without becoming a clown or gradually turning into an out-of-touch stick in the mud of the 19th century has been utterly impressive.