The 60th Anniversary of the Queens Accession1
英国女王迎来登基60周年庆典，她对公众的支持和鼓励表示感谢，并提醒人们重视团结和睦。
Pre-reading questions:
1. What activity in the UK will be held to celebrate the 60th anniversary?
2. What did the prime ministers think of the Queen?
The Queen said she was dedicating herself anew2 to your service, as she marked the 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne3 on February 6, 2012.
The Queen, 85, usually spends Accession Day the day her father, George VI, died in 1952 privately, but this year, crowds gathered to greet the Queen, despite the cold weather.
During her reign4, Queen Elizabeth II has seen 11 UK prime ministers come and go, with David Cameron her 12th. Mr. Cameron praised the brilliant service given by the Queen and called her a source of wisdom. With experience, dignity and quiet power she has guided and united our nation and the Commonwealth (英联邦) over six decades,he said. One former prime minister, John Major said, Theres very little the Queen hasnt seen, and very little the Queen doesnt understand. Anyone who doesnt consult her when necessary is missing a huge opportunity.
A set of stamps, all of which feature official images of the Queen, were issued to mark the 60th anniversary. The accession is also set to be marked by a series of regional, national and international events during 2012, including a four-day-long UK Bank Holiday weekend.
In her message to mark the anniversary, the Queen said, I am writing to thank you for the wonderful support and encouragement that you have given to me and Prince Philip over these years and to tell you how deeply moved we have been. In this special year, I hope we will all be reminded of the power of togetherness and the strength of family, friendship and goodneighbourliness5, examples of which I have been fortunate to see throughout my reign and which my family and I look forward to seeing again.
Notes:
1. accession n.(君主、帝王等的) 登基,即位
2. anew adv. 重新；再
3. throne n.王位
4. reign n.君主统治时期
5. good neighbourliness 睦邻关系