Less than a year after Prince William’s marriage to Kate Middleton, the family begins a yearlong celebration for the 60 years that Queen Elizabeth II has been on the throne. Ascending to the throne when she was only 26 years old upon the death of her father, this year is an amazing landmark. February marks the sixtieth year of her being Queen. She had been married to the Duke of Edinburgh for six years before her father passed.

In 2002, the Queen celebrated her Golden Jubilee, 50 years, and this year she celebrates what is known as the Diamond Jubilee. At currently 85 years of age, she is longest-serving monarch under Queen Victoria, who reigned for more than 63 years, according to CBS news. For the past year, she and Prince Phillip, her husband, have been receiving messages giving congrats on her 60 years.

Writing to the nation to thank them, the Queen said “I am writing to thank you for the wonderful support and encouragement that you have given to me and Prince Phillip over these years. In this special year, as I dedicate myself anew to your service, I hope that we will all be reminded of the power of togetherness and the convening strength of family, friendship, and good neighborliness, examples of which I have been fortunate to see throughout my reign.”

Normally February 6, the day of the Queen’s accession to the throne, is celebrated quietly because it marks the death of her father. However, this year it drew very much attention. One person told ABC news that she “love(s) that the monarchy is above politics and feel(s) that the queen represents (the) best of all.”