To mark the start of the project and the beginning of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the Queen planted an oak tree in Jubilee Wood on her Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

The Queen’s daughter Princess Anne said: “Trees often form part of royal celebrations. Those trees will be enjoyed by generations to come.”

On 6 February, which was the actual day she came to the throne in 1952, the Queen paid a visit to a school in Norfolk.

This was unusual as the Queen doesn’t usually have public engagements on 6 February (known as Accession Day), as it also marks the death of her father, King George VI.

Gun salutes were held around the UK to mark Accession Day. However, the main Jubilee celebrations will be held in June this year.

During the Queen’s 60 years on the throne, the UK has had 12 different prime ministers. David Cameron, who is the twelfth prime minister of the Queen’s reign, said: “With experience, dignity and quiet authority she has guided and united our nation and the Commonwealth over six varied decades.”