Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee: Gun salutes mark 60 years on the throne

Gun salutes mark the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II on the throne, as the Queen renews her pledge to serve the British people

LONDON -- Gun salutes across the United KIngdom, including London and Edinburgh marked the 60th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne on Monday.

In an unprecedented move, the Queen marked 60 years on the throne by renewing her pledge to serve the British people.

"I dedicate myself anew to your service," the monarch said in a message released by Buckingham Palace - repeating a pledge she first made when she was 21.

"Today, as I mark 60 years as your Queen, I am writing to thank you for the wonderful support and encouragement that you have given to me and Prince Philip over these years and to tell you how deeply moved we have been to receive so many kind messages about the Diamond Jubilee."

"In this special year, as I dedicate myself anew to your service, I hope we will all be reminded of the power of togetherness and the convening strength of family, friendship and good neighbourliness, examples of which I have been fortunate to see throughout my reign and which my family and I look forward to seeing in many forms as we travel throughout the United Kingdom and the wider Commonwealth.

"I hope also that this Jubilee year will be a time to give thanks for the great advances that have been made since 1952 and to look forward to the future with a clear head and warm heart as we join together in our celebrations.

"I send my sincere good wishes to you all," the Queen's message concluded.

Princess Elizabeth became Queen on February 6, 1952.

She was on tour in Kenya when her beloved father, George VI, died unexpectedly in his sleep.

Princess Elizabeth and her husband returned to Britain the next day but when she set foot back on British soil, it was as Queen.

She has since seen 11 prime ministers come and go. David Cameron, her 12th and current Prime Minister, praised the Queen's "magnificent service," thanking her for guiding the nation with "dignity and quiet authority."

"Always dedicated, always resolute and always respected, she is a source of wisdom and continuity," Cameron said. "All my life, and for the lives of most people in this country, she has always been there for us. Today, and this year, in the 60th anniversary of her reign, we have the chance to say thank you."

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee is set to be be marked with a series of regional, national and international events throughout 2012.

Visits to the nations of the Commonwealth will be carried out by members of the royal family, including Prince William and his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge. Meanwhile, the Queen herself will travel around Britain with her 90-year-old husband, who underwent heart surgery in December.

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