AEST 00:00, Tue Feb 7 2012
Sixty years ago today, 25-year-old Princess Elizabeth was on holiday in Kenya when she received the news that would change her life forever – her father, King George VI, had died and she was now Queen.
Now aged 85, Elizabeth is still devoted to her public, carrying out numerous public engagements every year.
Her dedication has earned her many admirers, including her grandson Prince William, who recently spoke of his awe at her ability to "carve her own way" through the world.
Elizabeth days after her father's death made her queen in February 1952.
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