Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne of Great Britain when she was just twenty-six. Now in her eighties, she has been head of state of Britain and the Commonwealth for more than sixty years. During her long reign she has witnessed huge changes and dramatic events, while also living through difficult times in her private life. In 2012 the Diamond Jubilee celebrated her sixty years on the throne as a shining example of devotion to duty, hard work and perserverance through good times and bad. Elizabeth is truly 'A Diamond Queen'.