Her Majesty - a 70-year reign

To date, only three monarchs have reigned longer than our present Queen - Louis XIV of France, Rama IX of Thailand and Johann II of Liechtenstein. For the majority of us, we have never known a time when Elizabeth II was not Queen. And while the focus may be on the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June, next week marks the 70th anniversary of her accession. On 6th February 1952, Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh were in Kenya at the start of a world tour, when news reached them of the death of King George VI at Sandringham. The twenty-five year-old Princess was now Queen, a role she has undertaken with a strong sense of duty and unerring commitment through seven decades.

As one of the most photographed women in the world, we know that pictures of the Queen are hardly scarce, but we also think we have images from across our various collections that offer an original and occasionally offbeat perspective on the world's most famous nonagenarian. Read on for a regal round-up.

Cover Girl

The Illustrated London News was renowned for setting the gold standard for royal reporting, and along with its sister titles from the ILN archive; The Sphere, The Tatler, The Sketch, The Graphic and The Bystander, is one of the very best resources for photographs, illustrations, features and especially front covers featuring Her Majesty.

Add to this the vast archive of John Frost Newspapers and we've got some head-line grabbing suggestions.

The Empire's Darling

When Princess Elizabeth of York was born on 21st April 1926, she had the distinction of being George V's first granddaughter. Although her destiny was not yet mapped out, the world was fascinated by the little girl with the curls and a beguiling smile - Hamley's even produced a Princess Elizabeth doll (pictured).

We have some of the from infancy through to her growing up through the Second World War.

The Main Events

From the royal wedding of 1947 to the 1953 Coronation as well as Silver, Golden AND Diamond Jubilees, we've got the major majestic milestones covered. We've also thrown in some images of historic jubilees as well as some superb street party pictures from 1977.

Queen of Style

The Queen does not follow fashion, but rises above it, and has displayed an inimitable sense of royal style over the years, mixing visibility in a rainbow range of hues and practical touches (sensible shoes and weights on skirts) with colour choices and details that are carefully picked for their diplomatic good vibes.

And hats of course; always hats. We have images from the Hardy Amies archive, as well as some key illustrations from the creator of the Queen's wedding dress and Coronation gown, Norman Hartnell.

Click here for a fashion parade quite literally fit for a Queen.

Horse and Hound

Off-duty, the Queen's twin passions are her horses and dogs. Although the royal corgi population has dwindled, she will ever be associated with this charming little dog, while a day at the races sees the Queen at her most relaxed and animated.

Recently added

This selection also contains a small handful of delightful 1930s pictures from the British Pathe Time to Remember collection.