Britain celebrating the diamond jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, marking 60 years on the throne during which she has set a number of landmarks. The queen acceded to the throne on February 6, 1952, upon the death of her father George VI while she was away in Kenya, and was crowned the following year on June 2. Britain yesterday began four days of festivities for Queen Elizabeth II's diamond jubilee, turning out in droves for events around the country. Here are few interesting facts about the queen`s reign and the jubilee festivities. 1. Queen Victoria was the last and the only precious British Monarch to celebrate a diamond jubilee, in 1897. Queen Elizabeth II is the oldest British monarch to celebrate one, being 85 on the 60th anniversary of her accession, while Victoria was 77. 2. Queen Elizabeth II is the 40th monarch since William the conqueror who obtained the crown of England in 1066. Congratulations to Her Royal Majesty!