Queen marks 60 years on the throne

UK: Queen Elizabeth II, who on Monday marks exactly 60 years on the throne, has spent a lifetime upholding her pledges to serve her peoples, earning a reputation in the process for calm shrewdness.

When she ascended to the throne in 1952 aged just 25, Winston Churchill was prime minister of Britain, Jawaharlal Nehru led the newly-independent India and swathes of Africa and Asia were still governed by Britain.

In the 60 years since, Queen Elizabeth has been a symbol of constancy as Britain's empire dwindled, throughout the Cold War and through the huge social upheavals between the post-war gloom and the digital age.

Despite the changing times and the very public ups and downs of the royal family, Elizabeth remains a largely revered figure and can lay claim to be the most recognised woman on the planet. Born in London on April 21, 1926, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary -- nicknamed "Lilibet" by her family -- was third in line to the throne behind her uncle Edward, prince of Wales, and her father, George, duke of York. AFP