Teaching Comparative Government and Politics

Monday, February 06, 2012

60 years on

I remember the day after Elizabeth was crowned queen of the UK. The US television network NBC built a dark room in an airplane so film of the coronation could be processed during the flight from London to New York. Then the Today show showed the film to us the next morning. It was an amazing feat of television journalism. It might also have been the beginning of my study of comparative politics.

Elizabeth is beginning the celebration of 60 years on the throne.

Diamond Jubilee: Queen celebrating 60-year reign

The Queen has visited a school in Norfolk as she marks the 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne.

The Queen visited King's Lynn Town Hall and was met by well-wishers outside

Earlier she said she was dedicating herself "anew to your service" and that she was "deeply moved" by support for the Diamond Jubilee.

The Queen was met by crowds at King's Lynn Town Hall before going to Dersingham Infant and Nursery School.

Gun salutes were held around the UK, including in London and Edinburgh.

The main celebrations for her anniversary will be in June…

During her reign, Queen Elizabeth II has seen 11 UK prime ministers come and go, with David Cameron her 12th.

Mr Cameron praised the "magnificent service" given by the Queen and called her a "source of wisdom and continuity".

"With experience, dignity and quiet authority she has guided and united our nation and the Commonwealth over six varied decades," he said…

The Queen's 60 years as monarch are set to be marked by a series of regional, national and international events during 2012, culminating in a four-day long UK Bank Holiday weekend in June…

In her message to mark the anniversary, the Queen said: "I am writing to thank you for the wonderful support and encouragement that you have given to me and Prince Philip over these years and to tell you how deeply moved we have been to receive so many kind messages about the Diamond Jubilee.

"In this special year, as I dedicate myself anew to your service, I hope we will all be reminded of the power of togetherness and the convening strength of family, friendship and good neighbourliness, examples of which I have been fortunate to see throughout my reign and which my family and I look forward to seeing in many forms as we travel throughout the United Kingdom and the wider Commonwealth."