CONGRATULATIONS YOUR HIGHNESS: Queen Elizabeth II is the first monarch to celebrate a platinum Jubilee.

People and organisations across Teignbridge are preparing to celebrate this momentous achievement on Thursday and Friday, June 2 and 3, and over what will be a momentous four day weekend.

But the Queen’s reign began when she was 25 years old, following the death of her father, George VI, on February 6, 1952.

The monarch said that, 70 years on, the day is one she remembers ‘as much for the death of my father, King George VI, as for the start of my reign’.

The 95-year-old said in a written message to the nation: ‘I would like to express my thanks to you all for your support. I remain eternally grateful for, and humbled by, the loyalty and affection that you continue to give me.’

We print this lovely picture of the Queen to pay our respects for her years of devoted service to our country and invite you, our readers, to pay your tributes to our Queen on this page too.