Queen's Diamond Jubilee: I'll serve for the rest of my life, vows Her Majesty

[-:Undertaker:-]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...r-Majesty.html

I'll serve for the rest of my life, vows the Queen as she rededicates herself to the nation on 60th anniversary of accession

• New portrait of Royal couple released to mark the occasion
• Uses official statement to remind subjects of importance of 'family, friends and good neighbourliness'
• Will mark anniversary with a series of engagements near Sandringham

It is 60 years to the day since she learned her beloved father, George VI, had died suddenly. In a heartbeat the strong, dutiful – but still unbelievably young – woman of 25 was thrust on to the world stage. Now aged 85, the Queen is a proud grandmother eight times over, with one great-grandchild and another on the way.

Long to reign over us: The new portrait of the Queen and Prince Philip by photographer John Swannell that has been released on the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty's accession to the throne

Today, however, she makes clear that thoughts of retirement are far from her mind as she formally rededicates herself to her nation.

In a statement to mark the start of her diamond jubilee year, the Queen – only the second monarch after her great great grandmother Queen Victoria to celebrate 60 years on the British throne – vows once again to serve her people for the rest of her life. Her message is interesting because, unlike addresses issued to mark her silver and golden jubilees, the Queen takes the opportunity to rededicate herself to her people, scotching rumours that she might abdicate in favour of her son and heir, Prince Charles.

She also hopes the dozens of planned commemorative events do more than just celebrate her milestone but remind us in times of economic crisis and social breakdown of the importance of family, friends and ‘good neighbourliness’. In the statement, issued by Buckingham Palace, she says she and Prince Philip have been ‘deeply moved to receive so many kind messages about the diamond jubilee’.

She continues: ‘In this special year, as I dedicate myself anew to your service, I hope that we will all be reminded of the power of togetherness and the convening strength of family, friendship and good neighbourliness. ‘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 as we join together in our celebrations.’

Royal visit: The Queen attended church near Sandringham alongside her husband yesterday as the couple prepared for the anniversary

The Royal Family is at its most popular all across her realms, from the United Kingdom to Canada, to New Zealand and so on. Long live the Queen, i'd dread a country without both her and her family.

The Diamond Jubilee celebrations will be something to look foward to - British, proud of our Commonwealth and stuffed full of the wonderful history and heritage that our country has to offer, it'll put shame to the wasteful and tacky Olympics.

Thoughts?

[Catzsy]

I think both events will serve our country well.

[Inseriousity.]

I hope she beats Queen Victoria's record

[Ajthedragon]

She's been a fantastic Queen and long may she serve!

A shame about the next in line...

[GommeInc]

The programme on BBC One last night at 9PM was very insightful. Here's a link for anyone interested:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode...een_Episode_1/

I'm proud of the Queen, everything about her is interesting. I'm slightly disappointed by some members of the public suggesting William and Kate take over, when they will never be as good as her - she's been put the test all throughout her life and has come out of any hardships better and stronger. Their time may come (assuming Charles doesn't become King), but for now we should not try to change something that isn't broken.

[Fez]

I hope she beats Queen Victoria's record

As do I. Lovely woman.

[Mathew]

That's some pretty good going. The Royal Family have made the headlines quite a lot the past couple of years with both the Royal Wedding and now this. It's good to see them being publicised so much; they're such a perfect icon for Britain.

A younger Monarch such as William and Kate could either be a fantastic change emphasising the new, modern Britain... or it could be quite an insult due to the lack of experience.

Long may she reign!

[FlyingJesus]

Truly remarkable woman, here's hoping for a lengthy and healthy continuance to her reign