In pictures: rare pictures of the Queen go on display

Sixty photographs chronicling the Queen’s 60 years as monarch are to go on display to mark her Diamond Jubilee.

The pictures capture the sovereign at relaxed family gatherings, exotic locations around the world, and the fleeting candid moments of public events.

At the start of her reign in 1952 many people would only have known the Queen’s image from black and white newspaper photographs or news reels played in cinemas.

Today, with the use of digital technology, the monarch’s likeness can be sent across the globe in seconds and her every move is captured whenever she is at official events.

During the Queen’s reign, 12 British Prime Ministers and 12 US Presidents have held office.

A photograph of her meeting one of America’s most celebrated leaders, John F Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in 1961 at Buckingham Palace, is featured at the exhibition at Windsor Castle which opens tomorrow.

Another image captures the moment the monarch went riding with President Ronald Reagan in Home Park at Windsor in 1982 during his stay at the Castle.

A striking photograph from 2005 captures the Queen and former Prime Minister Baroness Thatcher in silhouette on the sovereign’s arrival at the ex-politician’s 80th birthday celebrations.

The Queen’s love of animals is also well documented and her affection for her famous corgis is illustrated in the exhibition.

One picture from January 1959 shows a youthful looking sovereign working at her desk with a corgi at her feet.

When the monarch arrives at Aberdeen Airport in August 1974 she is shown clutching a handful of dog leads with her pets following behind her.

Colourful photographs also capture her trips overseas, including a visit to Mexico in 1975, to the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu in 1982, India in 1983 and to Canada in 2010.

The Queen: 60 Photographs for 60 Years will be held at Windsor Castle from February 4 to October 28.