6 February 2012 Last updated at 01:44

In pictures: Princess Elizabeth becomes Queen

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King George waves off Princess Elizabeth and Philip on their trip.

On 6 February 1952, King George VI died at the age of 56. Just six days earlier he had stood with his wife and younger daughter, and waved off his elder daughter Princess Elizabeth and her husband on their trip to Kenya. It was to be his last public appearance.

Princess Elizabeth was at the royal hunting lodge in Kenya when she was informed that he had died peacefully in his sleep. King George VI's health had been deteriorating since 1948, and he had undergone an operation for cancer in 1951.

Princess Elizabeth arrives back in Britain from Kenya.

Although a thunderstorm delayed her return flight, the following day Princess Elizabeth was back in Britain, to be greeted by Prime Minister Winston Churchill and other officials. All cinemas and theatres had been closed, sports fixtures cancelled and BBC programmes were cancelled except for news bulletins.

Princess Elizabeth and Philip arrive back at Clarence House after the death of King George VI.

Elizabeth and Philip had undertaken the trip after ill health forced the King to abandon the plan to go himself. It was meant to be a 30,000-mile journey across four continents, taking in Australia and New Zealand. It finally took place in 1954, after Princess Elizabeth had become Queen.

With the Royal Family and country in mourning, Elizabeth (left) joined her grandmother, Queen Mary (centre), and her mother (right) as the body of the King was brought to Westminster Hall to lie in state. About 300,000 people paid their respects.

Elizabeth was proclaimed queen on 8 February, at the age of 25, after taking the Royal Oath. Her father was buried seven days later. It would be another 16 months before her coronation took place.