Almost exactly a year after she lost her beloved husband, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is preparing for the culmination of celebrations marking her Platinum Jubilee. Her reign has now entered an unprecedented eighth decade. Elizabeth ascended the throne in February 1952 following the death of her father. We discuss her life and legacy to date with Robert Hardman, author of "Queen of Our Times: The Life of Queen Elizabeth II".

As Britain celebrates its monarch's 70 years on the throne, we take a look at how Queen Elizabeth II has been portrayed on screen – including her one and only film appearance alongside another British icon. We also hear from actress Kate Winslet, who spoke to our team in Cannes about gender equality in the film industry.

The Queen will miss a service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral on Friday due to feeling poorly, the Buckingham Palace said. The UK is celebrating the Queen's historic 70 years on the throne.

Buckingham Palace officials issued a statement on Thursday confirming the 96-year-old, who is at her Balmoral residence in Scotland, is suffering from health problems requiring her doctors' intervention.

People around the world and in Britain are mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the U.K.'s longest-reigning monarch and one of the most enduring royal personalities the world has known. She died Thursday at the age of 96.

We take a look at how the British papers are paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. We also look at some criticism of the monarchy that's been picked up in the foreign press, in addition to the many praise-filled tributes. Meanwhile, British cartoonists have been bidding farewell to the monarch. Finally, we find out how a double rainbow touched mourners at Buckingham Palace.

Queen Elizabeth II had a special relationship with Africa. She turned 21 on a visit to South Africa and was in Kenya when her father died and she ascended the throne. As the British monarch, she undertook numerous tours of Africa.

Starting with Winston Churchill, Queen Elizabeth saw 15 prime ministers — just. Her final act was replacing a cheerful moral vacuum with a poser with no panache.

Queen Elizabeth II's death has led to glowing tributes from leaders across Africa but also criticism of the monarch and her country's colonial legacy on a continent where Britain has a long checkered history.

In spite of their difficult colonial past, India and Pakistan had a cordial relationship with Queen Elizabeth II. She is seen as a monarch who pursued the policy of "noninterference" during her 70-year-reign as queen.

From politics to sports and culture, events have been canceled or rescheduled as the national mourning period for the queen begins. Here are some of the major activities that have been called off.

One of the many things late Queen Elizabeth II will be remembered for is her unique fashion statement and collection of hats. Here are a few hats off the Queen's collection.