The Queen is set to enter the milestone 70th year of her reign, as she prepares to mark the anniversary of her accession away from Sandringham for the first time in more than 30 years. Elizabeth II the nation's longest reigning monarch will reach 69 years on the throne on February 6, meaning she is just one year away from her Platinum Jubilee
Here is a selection of pictures of the monarch over the decades, as she reaches the anniversary of her accession
9. Through the years
Photo dated 21/04/47 of King George VI relaxing with his daughter Princess Elizabeth during a visit to Natal National Park in South Africa. Photo: PA
10. Through the years
Photo dated 09/07/96 of then South African President Nelson Mandela and Queen Elizabeth II riding in a carriage along the Mall on the first full day of his state visit to the UK. Photo: David Cheskin
11. Through the years
Queen Elizabeth II, the Prince of Wales, the Queen Mother, Diana, Princess of Wales and Lady Gabriella Windsor. 13/06/92 Photo: Ron Bell
12. Through the years
Queen Elizabeth II, toasting with France's then President Nicolas Sarkozy at the start of a state banquet at Windsor Castle in Windsor. 26/03/08 Photo: Matt Dunham