ABC: Queen Elizabeth II has made a rare public speech to celebrate her 60 years on the throne, rededicating herself to the service of her subjects.
The 85-year-old monarch's speech was made before British MPs at the houses of parliament in London.
"It was my privilege to address you during my silver and golden jubilees - many of you were present 10 years ago and some of you will recall the occasion in 1977," she said.
"Since my accession, I have been a regular visitor to the Palace of Westminster and, at the last count, have had the pleasurable duty of treating with twelve prime ministers."
The Queen noted that she is only the second English monarch after Queen Victoria to celebrate a diamond jubilee.
"We are reminded here of our past, of the continuity of our national story and the virtues of resilience, ingenuity and tolerance which created it," she said.
"I have been privileged to witness some of that history and, with the support of my family, rededicate myself to the service of our great country and its people now and in the years to come."
"You have personified continuity and stability while ensuring that your role has evolved imperceptibly, with the result that the monarch is as integral a part of out national life today as it was 60 years ago," Baroness D'Souza said.
Earlier this month, the Queen kicked off a nationwide tour to celebrate her diamond jubilee.
The monarch's four-month tour will take in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Other members of the royal family are also taking part in a global tour of major Commonwealth countries and realms; Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cambridge, will be visiting Australia, while Prince Harry has already visited the Caribbean.
The focal point of the festivities will take place over four days in June, including a 1,000-ship pageant on the River Thames through London and a concert at Buckingham Palace.
Millions of Britons thronged the streets of London for celebrations to mark the Queen's 50th year on the throne in 2002 and organisers expect a similar reaction this summer.
ABC/AFP
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