Today, 6 February, marks a special day for the Patron of The Royal Children’s Hospital, Her Majesty The Queen.

It is the 60th anniversary of The Queen’s accession to the throne. Accession Day officially marks the proclamation of Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary to become Queen Elizabeth the Second, following news that her father King George VI had passed away earlier that morning. Her Majesty The Queen was crowned on 2 June 1953.

In the course of 60 years on the throne, The Queen has developed a very personal relationship with Australia through regular visits. She has met people from all cultures, walks of life and regions of this enormous and fascinating country.

Of The Queen’s 16 visits to Australia, two have special significance in the rich history of The Royal Children’s Hospital. On Wednesday 26 October 2011, The Queen officially opened our new hospital, re-creating history from 1963 where, on her second visit to Australia, opened the, now old, Royal Children’s Hospital.

Following a tour of the new facility, together with His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, and meeting many patients, families and staff, The Queen unveiled a beautiful plaque which can now be found inside the main entrance to the hospital.

Queen Victoria was the last and to date the only British Monarch to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee. The Queen, who is aged 85 on Accession Day in 2012, will be the oldest monarch to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee. Queen Victoria was 77 when she celebrated hers in 1897.

The Queen is currently patron of over 600 charities and organisations, over 400 of which she has held since 1952.

Find out more information about The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.