Britain embarks Saturday on a four-day celebration to mark Queen Elizabeth's 60th year on the throne with great pomp, pageantry and outpouring of patriotism.

United Kingdom flags, also known as the Union Jack, are lining the major routes in London where huge crowds are expected to gather for a jubilee procession and other events in the next few days.

The 86-year-old monarch seems to be enjoying growing popularity, and many in the nation struggling with harsh economic times are looking forward to the festivities.

“I think the Diamond Jubilee is absolutely terrific. She's been the queen for 60 years. It's a celebration of all that she's given to this country, all the service she's given us over 60 years.”

“It's a fantastic occasion. Everyone is on a high. There's a lot of things to be not so pleased about going on in the world at the moment, so it's nice to have something that brightens up everybody's lives for a bit. So, yeah, it's great, fantastic, really looking forward to it.”

Prince Charles, the queen's son and heir, said the diamond jubilee is an opportunity to celebrate all that the she means to her nation and to her children.

The palace is releasing for the first time some of the home movies of Queen Elizabeth, giving a glimpse into her private life and her softer side.

Elizabeth succeeded her father King George after his death in 1952 and was crowned the queen of the seven Commonwealth countries (the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, and Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka) the following year.

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