The Queen's Diamond Decades

In 1952, the sudden death of King George VI changed Elizabeth's life for ever. The monarch was just 25 when she came to the throne. Winston Churchill was her first prime minister. Britain was still bandaging its war wounds and the Coronation sparked the biggest party since VE Day.

The arrival of the 1960s found Britain in an optimistic mood. Post-war austerity had given way to something of a consumer boom and the times were changing. The Royal Family was expanding fast. The Queen gave birth to Prince Andrew in 1960, ten years after Princess Anne. And Prince Edward was born in 1964.

The 1970s were a mix of gloom and glitter. The Queen and Prince Philip celebrated 25 years of marriage, and their daughter, Princess Anne, wed fellow equestrian Mark Phillips. But the Troubles in Ireland spread to mainland Britain, strikes forced a three-day working week, and a fuel crisis sparked food shortages and mounting discontent across the country.

When the 80s began, there was one question on everybody's lips: whom would Prince Charles, the world's most eligible bachelor, take for a bride? We soon had our answer and Lady Diana Spencer became famous around the world. A politically charged decade ended with the exhilarating fall of the Berlin Wall. Through times of celebration and turmoil, our Queen still reigned supreme.

The 90s began joyously for the Queen, as she welcomed her 6th grandchild and prepared for her 40th year on the throne. But this decade, the monarchy endured some of its worst crises. Her Majesty proclaimed 1992 her "annus horribilis" as 3 of her children suffered marital breakdowns and Windsor Castle was ravaged by fire. The decade is remembered above all else for the death of Princess Diana.

The new millennium witnessed powerful events for Queen and country. The whole nation celebrated the 100th birthday of the Queen Mother in 2000. But the devastating events of 9/11 ushered in a dark new era, and London itself would be traumatised by terrorism. There was personal sorrow as the Queen reached a great milestone - she lost both her sister and mother early in her Golden Jubilee year.

This is the story of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012. From nationwide street parties to spectacular pomp and pageantry on the river Thames, millions turned out to thank Queen Elizabeth II for 60 years of selfless dedication.