The Royals ~

[Lady Cop]

WESTMINSTER Diamond Jubilee address





During the event a Diamond Jubilee window - a gift from the members of both Houses - was unveiled to mark the monarch's 60-year reign



The Queen's Body Guard of the Yeoman of the Guard arrive at Westminster Hall in London










She thanked the nation, looked back on her reign, re-pledged her allegiance and praised her loyal family... and before her time was up, she even squeezed in a few jokes.

The Queen celebrated her Diamond Jubilee today with an historic address to both houses of Parliament in which she paid a touching tribute to Prince Philip, her 'constant strength and guide' over 65 years of marriage.

In a gilded display of very British pomp and pageantry, the ceremony at Westminster Hall saw MPs, peers - and prime ministers past and present - rub shoulders in honour the octogenarian monarch's reign of 60 years.

It was the first time in a decade that she had spoken to members of the House of Lords and Commons. The last time was in 2002 for her Golden Jubilee.

Standing before a hushed audience, Queen Victoria's great great granddaughter paid tribute to the British virtues of 'resilience, ingenuity and tolerance' and the armed forces.

But the event's most touching moment came when she thanked husband the Duke of Edinburgh, who sat as always beside her, for his 'constant strength' and guidance over the decades.