Queen Elizabeth II Marks Diamond Jubilee: 60 Years on the Throne [PHOTOS]

Queen Elizabeth II on Monday, celebrated her Diamond Jubilee, marking her 60th year on the throne.

It was on Feb. 6, 1952 that Britain was told long live the Queen and Princess Elizabeth took over the thrown from her 56-year-old father, King George IV, who died of a blood clot after going to bed the night before. The dead king was reportedly found by a servant in his bed around 7:50 a.m. that day. She was 25 years old at the time and automatically took the throne.

According to The Associated Press, Queen Elizabeth II was at the Treetops resort in Kenya with her husband, Prince Philip when her father died. Additionally, a storm delayed her departure from Africa until midnight and an unscheduled stop was made in North Africa to get a black mourning dress before her arrival the next day, accoridng to reports.

Queen Elizabeth II met with the more than 100 Lords of the Council and other dignitaries for her formal Accession ceremony.

By the sudden death of my dear father I am called to assume the duties and responsibilities of sovereignty, she said, as reported by The AP. My heart is too full for me to say more to you today than I shall always work, as my father did throughout his reign, to advance the happiness and prosperity of my peoples, spread as they are all the world over.

In her 60-year reign, Queen Elizabeth II has seen the 11 U.S. presidents serve in office and 13 British prime ministers. She has seen man make it to the moon and the crumble of the USSR.

Britain's Sky News reported that a 21-gun salute was fired by the Royal Navy to mark the Queen's 60th anniversary. The gun salute was done at noon at Fort Blockhouse at Gosport, Hampshire by specialist gunnery instructors from HMS Collingwood in Fareham.

The AP reported that Queen Elizabeth II noted in a message that she and her husband are deeply moved by the many kind messages about her Diamond Jubilee.

I am writing to thank you for the wonderful support and encouragement that you have given to me and Prince Philip over these years, the Queen wrote in a message to the nation.

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 neighborliness, examples of which I have been fortunate to see throughout my reign.

Start the slideshow to see how Queen Elizabeth II spent the day.