• A portrait of the queen longer than 7 double decker buses

    Matt Dunham / AP

    A worker abseils during a unveiling after helping to hang a giant image from a building on the south bank of the River Thames, London showing Britain's Queen Elizabeth II waving on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Queen's 1977 Silver Jubilee, on May 25. The giant canvas, measuring 328 feet by 230 feet and weighing nearly two tons, was officially unveiled on Friday and will be displayed until the end of June, in celebration of the Diamond Jubilee, marking the Queen's 60 year reign.

    Suzanne Plunkett / Reuters

    Abseilers secure a giant canvas along the River Thames of a photograph showing Britain's Royal Family during the 1977 Silver Jubilee, London on May 25. The photograph, shot by an unknown photographer shows (L-R) Prince Charles, Prince Edward, Prince Andrew, Louis Mountbatten, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Mark Phillips and Princess Anne on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Queen Elizabeth will mark her Diamond Jubilee by travelling in a 1,000-boat regatta on the river on June 3.

    Slideshow: Life of a queen

    Chris Radburn / AFP - Getty Images

    After more than five decades on the throne, view images from the extraordinary life of Queen Elizabeth II.

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  • Queen Elizabeth gets the waxwork treatment

    Leon Neal / AFP - Getty Images

    Painter Lisa Burton poses for pictures with a new waxwork figure of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II at Madame Tussauds in London on May 14, 2012. The figure is dressed in a recreation of the white and silver lace dress covered in 53,000 Swarovski elements with blue silk sash adorned with The Queen's Garter Badge, topped off by a replica of the diamond and pearl George IV State Diadem.

    See the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in wax on PhotoBlog

    Slideshow: Life of a queen

    Chris Radburn / AFP - Getty Images

    As she marks her Diamond Jubilee, view images from the extraordinary life and long reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

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  • Queen sets out British government agenda in opulent pageant of pomp and politics

    Dan Kitwood / Getty Images

    Britain's Queen Elizabeth II arrives at Buckingham Palace in London after her address to Parliament at the official State Opening of Parliament ceremony at Westminster on May 9, 2012.

    The Associated Press reports — Queen Elizabeth II says Britain's government plans to finally reform the centuries-old House of Lords and introduce direct elections for its members.

    Attempts to overhaul the unelected 700-year-old upper chamber — which does not make laws but can amend legislation — have frustrated British leaders for decades, with peers reluctant to agree to changes.

    Announcing the government's new legislative program Wednesday in an opulent pageant of pomp and politics, the queen said planned laws would introduce a smaller, mainly upper elected chamber.

    Read the full text of the Queen's Speech.

    Dominic Lipinski / WPA Pool via Getty Images

    Cleaning staff prepare the Sovereign's Entrance at the Houses of Parliament, ahead of the arrival of Queen Elizabeth II.

    Leon Neal / Pool via AFP - Getty Images

    Queen Elizabeth II proceeds through the Royal Gallery in the Palace of Westminster.

    Leon Neal / Pool via AFP - Getty Images

    Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, proceed through the Royal Gallery in the Palace of Westminster.

    Queen Elizabeth gave her annual speech to Britain's Parliament, setting out the country's agenda for the next year.  The queen said the first priority would be to reduce the deficit and restore economic stability through spending cuts.  ITN's Tom Bradby reports.

    Slideshow: Life of a queen

    Chris Radburn / AFP - Getty Images

    As she marks her Diamond Jubilee, view images from the extraordinary life and long reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

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  • Krish / Malaysian Department of Information via EPA

    New Malaysian King Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah holds a keris (a traditional Malay dagger) next to Queen Haminah Hamidun during his investiture ceremony at the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on April 11, 2012.

    Malaysian sultan becomes king — for a second time

    Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah has become the first person to hold the position of king twice under Malaysia's unique rotating monarchy, Agence France Presse reports. The 84-year-old, who is said to be a fan of Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra, was previously king in the 1970s.

  • Thailand bids farewell to princess in elaborate procession

    Sukree Sukplang / Reuters

    Mourners hold pictures of Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda Sirisobhabannavadi as her urn is escorted to the cremation pyre in Bangkok, on April 9. Princess Bejaratana, who was the only child of King Vajiravudh, Rama VI passed away from on July 27, 2011, aged 85.

    Narong Sangnak / EPA

    Thai soldiers pull a royal chariot carrying the royal urn containing the remains of late Princess Bejraratana Rajasuda Sirisobhabannavadi march in procession on the way to a funeral pyre outside the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand, 09 April 2012. Cousin to the reigning Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), Princess Bejaratana, the only daughter of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) passed away on 27 July 2011 at the age of 85 from a blood infection.

    Chaiwat Subprasom / Reuters

    The royal chariot with the urn of Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda Sirisobhabannavadi is pulled by men dressed in ancient uniforms to the cremation pyre in Bangkok, on April 9. Princess Bejaratana, who was the only child of King Vajiravudh, Rama VI passed away on July 27, 2011, aged 85.

    Damir Sagolj / Reuters

    Royal guards escort the royal urn of Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda Sirisobhabannavadi to the cremation pyre in Bangkok April 9. Princess Bejaratana, who was the only child of King Vajiravudh, Rama VI, passed away on July 27, 2011, aged 85.

    Sukree Sukplang / Reuters

    Mourners hold pictures of Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda Sirisobhabannavadi as her urn is escorted to the cremation pyre in Bangkok, on April 9. Princess Bejaratana, who was the only child of King Vajiravudh, Rama VI, passed away on July 27, 2011, aged 85.

    Nicolas Asfouri / AFP - Getty Images

    Thai soldiers walk of the royal chariot carrying the royal urn of Thai Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda Sirisobhabannavadi (not seen) during the ancient rites of the royal cremation ceremony at Sanam Luang in Bangkok on April 9. Thai Princess Bejaratana, the first cousin of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, was admitted to Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital on July 13 for bloodstream infection and passed away on July 27, 2011 after her condition worsened.

     

  • The royal couple may be made of wax, but the food appears to be real

    Peter Dejong / AP

    Child models eat scones as they pose with waxworks of Britain's royal couple William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, at Madame Tussauds in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on April 4, 2012.

    Waxwork likenesses of Prince William and Kate Middleton were due to be unveiled on Wednesday in London, Amsterdam and New York City. Take a look at some more celebrities immortalized in wax in this slideshow.

  • Dan Kitwood / Getty Images

    From left: Senior Drum Major Betts of the Scots Guards, Bugler Lee Kidd, Guardsman Adam Deer of the Coldstream Guards, Lance Corporal Michael Strong of the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment and Warrant Officer second Class Terry Gardener, Senior Drum Major of the Royal Air Force, pose in their full ceremonial attire at Wellington Barracks on March 21, 2012 in London, England. The group make up part of the ceremonial military personnel who will play a key role during Her Majesty the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations in June.

    All dressed up for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee

    By David R Arnott, NBC News

    What are you going to wear for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee? Here in Britain, I can assure you, the people talk of little else.

    Here are a few fancy dress ideas courtesy of Her Majesty's armed forces.

  • A peek inside Princess Diana's Kensington Palace

    Matt Dunham / AP

    In this picture taken with a fish-eye lens, people stand around the "luminous lace" light sculpture by designers Loop.pH in the Stone Hall during a press preview at what used to be the official residence of the late Princess Diana, Kensington Palace in London, Tuesday, March 20. Kensington Palace has been transformed following a 12 million pounds ($19 million, 14.4 million euro) restoration project timed to be completed for this summer's Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympics.

    Andrew Winning / Reuters

    A dress worn by Princess Diana is displayed in Kensington Palace which reopened today after a 12 million pound Sterling (19 million USD) renovation in central London on March 20.

    Oli Scarff / Getty Images

    A woman views an art installation in the Queen's Bed Chamber in Kensington Palace on March 20 in London, England. Kensington Palace is due to reopen to the public on March 26 following an extensive renovation project. The refurbishment has seen the renovation of the King and Queen's state apartments, a display of dresses worn by Diana, Princess of Wales and an exhibition charting the life of Queen Victoria.

    Matt Dunham / AP

    Models dressed as period courtiers pose for photographs on "the King's Staircase" during a press preview at what used to be the official residence of the late Princess Diana, Kensington Palace in London, Tuesday, March 20. Kensington Palace has been transformed following a 12 million pounds (US$19 million, euro14.4 million) restoration project timed to be completed for this summer's Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympics.

    Andy Rain / EPA

    Queen Victoria's living quarters are photographed through her devotion screen at Kensington Palace in London, Britain, on March 20. A major new exhibition unveiled as part of a 14 million euro transformation of Kensington Palace explores the life of Queen Victoria, Britain's longest serving monarch, and the palace's most famous resident Princess Diana. The Palace opens to the public on March 26.

    For the first time since a $20 million renovation, Kensington Palace will open to the public with an exhibition of Princess Diana's favorite dresses. NBC's Michelle Kosinski reports.

     

  • Kate goes green for St. Patrick's Day parade

     

    Toby Melville / Reuters

    Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge presents a shamrock to the regimental mascot, an Irish Wolfhound named Conmeal, during a visit to the British army's 1st Battalion Irish Guards at Aldershot army base in southern England on March 17, 2012.

    Chris Jackson / Getty Images

    The Duchess of Cambridge was resplendent in green as she handed out shamrocks to members of the Irish Guards, a regiment of the British army, during a St. Patrick's Day visit. According to the BBC, she was taking part in a tradition that goes back to the first regimental St Patrick's Day in 1901.

    Kate was introduced to the regimental mascot, an Irish Wolfhound named Conmeal, and capped off her first solo military engagement with a glass of sherry.

    Two soldiers had to be escorted from the parade ground shortly before the arrival of the Duchess after they appeared to faint.

    Royal family bonding: Kate getting close to Wills' kin

    Chris Jackson / Getty Images

    A soldier is helped to his feet after fainting during the Duchess of Cambridge's visit.

    Chris Jackson / Pool via EPA

    The Duchess of Cambridge holds a glass of Harvey's Bristol Creme in the Junior's Mess at Aldershot barracks.

    Slideshow: Duchess Kate’s royal style

    Indigo / Getty Images Contributor

    Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, as she is now known, wears everything from fancy hats to casual tank tops. See how Prince William's new wife can easily go from a high society affair to shopping on the streets of London.

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  • Kate Middleton's 8-year-old Valentine

    Tim Hales / AP

    The Duchess of Cambridge talks with 8-year-old Jaqson Johnston-Lynch after she visited The Brink in Liverpool, England, Feb. 14. The Duchess was visiting as Patron of Action on Addiction. The Brink is an alcohol-free bar in Liverpool, linked to Action on Addiction's SHARP recovery service in the city. The bar is a social enterprise run primarily to help people recovering from drink and drug addiction.

    Darren Staples / Reuters

    A cake that will be given to Britain's Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge from 8-year-old Jaqson Johnston-Lynch is held by a media officer in Liverpool, Feb. 14.

    By Phaedra Singelis, NBC News

    The Duchesss of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, made her first public appearance without her husband and will celebrate their first Valentine's Day as a married couple without her husband.  

    Prince William is currently deployed to the Falkland Islands, about 8,000 miles away. But she wasn't without an admirer. Jaqson Johnston-Lynch was waiting for the Duchess with a bouquet of flowers at the charity organization she was visiting in Liverpool. He also presented her with a card and a specially made cupcake. The 8-year-old's mother works at the charity which helps recovering addicts.

  • In pictures: Queen Elizabeth II marks 60 years on the throne

    Jane Bown / Camera Press

    The Queen's 80th birthday portrait, taken in February 2006, is one of 60 photographs included in an exhibition at Windsor Castle's Drawings Gallery to celebrate The Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

    LONDON – It has been 60 years to the day since Britain was shocked by the bulletins: The King is dead; long live the Queen! 

    The 25-year-old Princess Elizabeth was on tour in Kenya when she became queen on Feb. 6, 1952, following the death of her father, King George VI. She was informed by her husband, Prince Philip, as they walked in a garden at the Treetops hotel—after the news had been broadcast to the world.

    Matt Dunham / AP

    Members of The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery are seen through the smoke of their firing during a 41 Gun Salute to mark the official start of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee in Hyde Park, London, on Feb. 6, 2012.

    A storm delayed the queen's departure from Kenya until midnight. Then, there was an unscheduled stop in North Africa to get a black mourning dress aboard. She arrived in London in the fading light of the following day, where she was welcomed by then Prime Minister Winston Churchill. 

    Sixty years on, Queen Elizabeth II promised on Monday to "dedicate myself anew to your service." 

    "I hope also that this Jubilee year will be a time to give thanks for the great advances that have been made since 1952 and to look forward to the future with clear head and warm heart," she wrote to her subjects in a message.

    The queen is now the second longest-serving monarch in British history after Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901.

    To mark the jubilee Windsor Castle is holding an exhibition, The Queen: 60 Photographs for 60 Years.

    Jane Roberts of the Royal Library, who helped to put together the exhibit, told NBC News that the pictures "encapsulate the character of the Queen, her life, her extraordinary duty continuing through the 60 years she has been on the throne, her commitment to her family at all times, her love of life and all sorts of different aspects of official and private duties."

    -- The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report

    UPPA / Photoshot

    The Queen returns to Buckingham Palace after the Coronation, June 2, 1953.

    The Royal Collection

    The Queen with the Duke of Edinburgh and their children (from left) Prince Charles, Prince Andrew and Princess Anne. March 1960.

    The Belfast Telegraph

    The Queen visits Belfast, Aug. 8, 1961.

    John Scott / Alpha Press

    The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh watching competitors at the Badminton Horse Trials, April 20, 1968.

    The Telegraph

    The Queen with Prince and Princess Michael of Kent at Epsom watching as Kahyasi wins the Derby, June 1, 1988.

    Polly Borland / Camera Press

    The Queen in 2001.

    Slideshow: Life of a queen

    Kirsty Wigglesworth / Pool via AP

    View images from the extraordinary life of Queen Elizabeth II.

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    NBC's Keir Simmons looks at the Queen's legacy and enduring popularity among her subjects.

  • Prince Philip leaves hospital to join royal family

    Peter Macdiarmid / Getty Images

    Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, is driven from Papworth Hospital on Dec. 27 in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire. The Duke is returning to the Sandringham Estate to join other members of the Royal Family for Christmas after receiving treatment for a blocked artery.

    Peter Macdiarmid / Getty Images

    Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, is driven from Papworth Hospital on Dec. 27 in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire.

    AP reports:

    Britain's Prince Philip returned to the royal family's country estate Tuesday, after a spell in the hospital undergoing treatment for a blocked coronary artery.

    Philip, Queen Elizabeth II's 90-year-old husband, spent four nights in the hospital recovering from a successful coronary stent procedure. He was taken to Papworth, a specialist heart hospital in Cambridge, on Friday after complaining of chest pains.

    For the first time in years he was forced to miss the royal family's traditional Christmas festivities, which include attending a morning church service, viewing the queen's annual Christmas broadcast together, and a shooting party on Boxing Day.

    For more information: Britain's Prince Philip leaves hospital.

    See our slideshow Royal Christmas greetings

    Britain's Prince Philip, the 90-year-old husband of Queen Elizabeth, has been released from hospital after successfully undergoing treatment for a blocked coronary artery. NBC's Michelle Kosinksi reports.

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