King George VI was a famously reluctant monarch who had acceded unexpectedly to the throne in December 1936. This followed the dramatic abdication of older brother, Edward VIII.
On February 6, 1953, Her Late Majesty marked the first anniversary of King George VI s death quietly with her husband Prince Philip. Above: The then Princess Elizabeth with her father in 1946.
The Queen s father was laid to rest in February 1952 inside St George s Chapel after a solemn service attended by family, friends and aides - just as Her Majesty was yesterday.
Crowds sang hymns and ate pizza blessed by God after camping overnight and waiting to be granted access to Westminster Hall, where the fallen monarch is lying in state until 6.30am on Monday.
Tens of thousands of mourners in London have made friends and shared food while waiting through the night to visit the Queen s coffin inside the Palace of Westminster.