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Here is a look at 10 memorable moments from Queen Elizabeth's 70-year reign, the longest in British history. Ascension to throne and coronation.
Alexandra Shulman on Queen Elizabeth II's memorable fashion moments.
Celebrate with us as we look back on some of the most memorable moments of her reign. A young Princess Elizabeth weds Prince Phillip of Greece, 1947.
Here is a look at 10 memorable moments from Queen Elizabeth’s 70-year reign, the longest in British history.

Ascension to throne and coronation (1952, 1953)
Elizabeth became queen on Feb. 6, 1952, when her father, King George VI, died. She was just 25 years old.

Her coronation did not take place until 16 months later. The ceremony was the first to be broadcast live on television and was watched by more than 20 million people in the U.K. The event included over 8,000 VIP guests, including many world leaders.

More than 3 million Brits lined the streets afterward for her procession from Westminster Abbey, where the ceremony was held, to Buckingham Palace.

“I have in sincerity pledged myself to your service, as so many of you are pledged to mine,” the queen said during a speech broadcast after the coronation. “Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust.”
Visit to West Germany (1965)
Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, paid a 10-day visit to West Germany in May 1965, making the queen the first British sovereign to visit Germany in more than a half-century.

The trip marked the 20th anniversary of the end of World War II and was viewed as the culmination of the political reconciliation of the two countries.

''I am confident that the cooperative spirit which has been built up in this way will continue to provide a reliable basis for the imaginative policies which are enshrined in that document,” Queen Elizabeth said during the visit, referring to the Hong Kong agreement.

'Annus horribilis' (1992)
Elizabeth’s reign certainly saw its share of tragedy and adversity, but 1992 was particularly difficult.

That year, three of her children — Princes Charles and Andrew and Princess Anne — saw their marriages fall apart. There also was a large fire at Windsor Castle, one of the queen’s official residences, which started when a spotlight ignited a curtain.

In a speech to mark the Rudy Jubilee — 40 years on the throne — Elizabeth remarked that 1992 was “annus horribilis,” Latin for “horrible year.”

Death of Princess Diana (1997)
The queen and the royal family were criticized for their initial response to the death of Princess Diana, Prince Charles’ ex-wife, who was killed at age 36 in a Paris car crash while be followed by paparazzi.

While Britain mourned, Elizabeth stayed silent and remained at Balmoral Castle in Scotland rather than returning to London, and Buckingham Palace refused to give into public pressure to fly the Union flag at half-mast.

At Diana’s funeral, however, Queen Elizabeth bowed as the princess’ casket passed. And in an address to the nation, the monarch said of Diana: “She was an exceptional and gifted human being. In good times and bad, she never lost her capacity to smile and laugh, nor to inspire others with her warmth and kindness. I admired and respected her for her energy and commitment to others.”

Ireland visit (2011)
In May 2011, Elizabeth became the first British monarch to make a state visit to Ireland since it was part of the United Kingdom.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbxqi38aMQ0xTfQ9tujbQ1Q

Ireland began fighting for its independence nearly a century earlier, and the two countries had a strained relationship for decades. The four-day visit helped signify closer relations between the neighboring countries and drew broad acclaim from Irish lawmakers.

At the Garden of Remembrance, the queen bowed her head in honor of Irish soldiers who died fighting British forces.

"When it comes to how to mark 70 years as your Queen, there is no guidebook to follow,” Elizabeth said in a statement afterward. “It really is a first. But I have been humbled and deeply touched that so many people have taken to the streets to celebrate my Platinum Jubilee.

"While I may not have attended every event in person, my heart has been with you all.”

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