This month, Elizabeth II will become the first British monarch to reign for 70 years.

Elizabeth Windsor became Queen when her father, George VI, died in February 1952. Sixteen months later, in June 1953, she was crowned in Westminster Abbey, and the ‘new Elizabethan age’ began.

In those drab post-war days, Britons hoped her reign would restore the country’s ailing fortunes; her reign has been marked by domestic scandal, the decline of Britain’s power on the world-stage, and the dissolution of the Empire – but throughout it all, the Queen herself has remained a much-loved figure.

While many Australians believe this country should become a republic, with its own head of state, the Queen’s popularity has proven an obstacle. Ex-Prime Ministers Julia Gillard and Malcolm Turnbull doubt Australia will become a republic during her lifetime.

“She’s been an extraordinary head of state,” Mr Turnbull said. “Frankly, in Australia, there are more Elizabethans than monarchists.”

To celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, an Accession Day service will be held at St Paul’s Anglican Church Manuka, on Sunday, 6 February, at 5pm.

The service will give thanks for the Queen’s 70 years of dedicated service to Australia and the Commonwealth.

The Governor-General of Australia and his wife, Their Excellencies General the Hon. David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and Mrs Hurley, will attend the service, which will feature music from royal occasions across the decades of the Queen’s reign.

St Paul’s Manuka is located at the corner of Canberra Avenue and Captain Cook Crescent, Griffith; entry via Captain Cook Crescent.

Anyone wishing to attend the service must book online through the Parish website at www.stpaulsmanuka.org.au.