While visiting Kenya with her husband, Prince Philip, en route Down Under, Elizabeth received news on February 6, 1952, that her father, King George VI, had died.

As heir apparent to the British throne, the mother-of-two immediately became Queen, not only of her home country, but also the Commonwealth.

As the Queen continues her royal duties on the 60th anniversary of her father's death, her accession to the throne will be marked by a 41-gun salute at London's Green Park and a 62-gun royal salute at the Tower of London.

While the royal family will save their official celebration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee until June, there is much talk in Britain of her regal contribution.

It had been her role as an international Queen that had made Elizabeth such a powerful figurehead, royal commentator Robert Jobson said.

``When talking about Her Majesty the Queen, she is probably the only truly international Queen that is around today,'' Mr Jobson said.

``The fact is, she's not only the Queen of the United Kingdom, she's the Queen of 15 other realms around the world including Australia, New Zealand and Canada, to name but a few. And that's a hugely important role of which she's very proud and takes very seriously.

``She's also, interestingly enough, in her role as the head of the Commonwealth, I think it's probably the most important role she would see, in her 60 years on the throne.''

Since first stepping on to Sydney soil in February 1954 as the first reigning monarch to visit Australia, the Queen has made a further 15 visits to the southern nation.

``I think Queen Elizabeth will be remembered as the first lady of the Commonwealth because she is the most travelled, the most experienced monarch we have ever had (and) one must remember, the oldest monarch, we've ever had,'' Mr Jobson said.

The Queen's 60-year reign is a milestone achieved by only one other British monarch, Queen Victoria, who took the throne aged 18 and ruled until 1901.

Her role is a task much admired by younger generations of royals.

``I think she's carved her own way completely. She's not had a blueprint,'' second heir to the throne Prince William said.

Now aged 85, the Queen has had to balance family life and her much-cherished privacy, with the fierce demands of public life.

The monarch won't be able to avoid the spotlight between June 2 and June 5 when a raft of royal events are planned, including a Diamond Jubilee Pageant.