The previous 50 years have seen a multitude of technological developments resulting in a profound effect on our society. None less so than the birth of the modern media, meaning the publicising of private lives has now become the norm. Elizabeth II has maintained her dignity throughout and remains the most popular member of the Windsor family.

Born in London on 21 April 1926 to The Duke and Duchess of York - soon to be George VI and Queen Elizabeth (The Queen Mum) - Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was the elder of two daughters and was educated at home as presumptive heir to the throne.

She was an active teenager, a keen horsewoman and swimmer, a Girl Guide and a Sea Ranger. During the war she became a mechanically-trained driver and member of the Auxiliary Territorial Service. She began life as an active royal aged 16, performing her first engagement inspecting a wartime regiment in 1942.

Shortly after her eighteenth birthday, in 1944 the Princess received an address from the House of Commons and replied on behalf of the throne. It was the beginning of a 60-year period of official duties.

Elizabeth was forced to mature early in life; she became engaged to Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten whom she married in 1947, aged 21. Only a year later, she gave birth to her first child, Charles, Prince of Wales, and two years later, Princess Anne. During a Royal tour to Kenya, Australia and New Zealand with Prince Philip, the Princess learned of her father's death after a lengthy illness.

Her Coronation took place on 2 June 1953, and at her request, fell under the spotlight of television. The irony was born; the medium that gave birth to such a distinguished reign has since often threatened to destroy the very foundations of the British Monarchy.

At 76, it is often forgotten that the Queen has reached an age many would consider beyond active duty. Yet she shows no signs of slowing down, having attended 531 public engagements last year, both domestically and abroad. This is on top of her role as head of state that includes a weekly audience with Tony Blair and overseeing all Cabinet documentation.

The Queen has already achieved the mark of 50 years rule; that date came on 6 February this year. She is will soon be the fourth longest-serving British monarch, and may yet reach the marks laid down by others: Henry III (56), George III (60) and Victoria (64).

If Elizabeth II becomes the longest-serving monarch ever she will be 90: younger than her mother now and perhaps outlasting her son, Charles, who does not seem to have inherited her firm constitution.