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Westminster Abbey was carefully prepared for the Queen's arrival

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The Queen was escorted into Westminster Abbey

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Prince Harry was unable to attend the service because he was sitting his A-levels at Eton

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Prince William joined members of the Royal Family for the service to mark his grandmother's reign

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Baroness Thatcher and her husband Sir Denis were among the invited guests

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Prince Charles' partner Camilla Parker Bowles attended the service

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Sir Edmund Hillary celebrated his own 50-year milestone last week - the ascent of Everest

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A nine-year-old chats to the Queen after giving her flowers on The Mall, London

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The Queen meets youngsters at the tea party in Buckingham Palace

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A young girl enjoys the swings in the grounds of Buckingham Palace

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The Queen smiles after being entertained by a magician

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The Queen later chatted with children who attended a coronation party in the grounds of Buckingham Palace

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Children at the party enjoyed a range of rides and sideshows