Queen Elizabeth, who ascended the throne aged just 25 as her exhausted country struggled to recover from the ravages of World War II, made history on Wednesday becoming Britain's longest-reigning monarch.
And last but not least, just so you don't end up thinking that Queen is a 'soft' person. Queen Elizabeth II, with Chief Instructor, Small Arms Corp LT Col George Harvey, firing the last shot on a standard SA 80 rifle when she attended the centenary
Queen Elizabeth II and Pope John Paul II as they meet at the Vatican. She is credited for ending centuries old animosity with the Catholic Church.
Her Majesty with Queen mother Elizabeth, shared a very close relation. She was one of the most strongest influences in her life.
South African President Nelson Mandela as he waves to crowds as he sits next to Queen Elizabeth II in a an open carriage on the way to Buckingham Palace.
The Queen also attempted to save the doomed marriage of her son Prince Charles and Princess Diana, according to recent reports, contrary to common belief that she was over reaching in her son's life.
The Queen with great grandson Prince George, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during the christening of Princess Charolette.
Queen Elizabeth II and U.S. President John Kennedy as they pose at Buckingham Palace in London.
The Queen is also famous for her obsession with horses in addition to her corgis.
Queen Elizabeth loves her Corgis! Did you know that she has owned more than 30 during her reign as the Queen? In pic, the Queen sitting with her corgis, at Virginia Water to watch competitors, including Prince Philip in the Marathon of the European
The Queen with her family at the Balmoral Castle.
The Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William, Prince Harry and the Prince and Princess of Wales after the christening ceremony of Prince Harry in London.
1966 file photo of Queen Elizabeth on the throne centre, in House of Lords during the opening of Parliament on the Queen's 40th birthday.
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, seated on the throne, receives the fealty of the Archbishop of Canterbury, centre with back to camera, the Bishop of Durham, left and the Bishop of Bath and Wells, during her Coronation in Westminster Abbey.
Princess Elizabeth married her third cousin Philip Mountbatten, formerly prince of Greece and Denmark, on November 20, 1947.
Elizabeth II shakes hands with the Dean of Windsor, the Rt. Rev. Eric Knightley Chetwode Hamilton, after the funeral service for her father, the late King George VI, at St. George's Chapel, Windsor.
At about 5.30 p.m. (1230 ET), Elizabeth, who now aged 89 is also the nation's oldest ever monarch, will surpass the 63 years, 7 months, 2 days, 16 hours and 23 minutes that her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria spent on the throne. In picture,