Queen Elizabeth II is the longest-reigning monarch in British history. This year, she became the first British sovereign to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee -- 70 years on the throne.

The concept of jubilee celebrations dates back to biblical times but today they are more commonly associated with marriages and the royal family.

Royal jubilees offer a chance for the nation and Commonwealth to pay tribute to the life of the monarch.

Several jubilee celebrations have punctuated the Queen's reign since her accession to the throne in 1952: the Silver Jubilee, marking 25 years in 1977; the Golden Jubilee celebrations for 50 years in 2002; and the Diamond Jubilee commemorations a decade ago for her 60th anniversary.

The monarch opted to mark other anniversaries, like her Ruby Jubilee (40 years in 1992) and Sapphire Jubilee (65 years in 2017), with less fanfare and without public events.

As the Queen marks an unprecedented 70 years of service, CNN takes a look back at some of the spectacular celebrations for previous milestone moments in her historic reign.

As part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1977, a scout hands the Queen, who was visiting Australia, the torch that was used to ignite the Olympic flame in Sydney in 1956. On June 6, she used the flame to light a bonfire beacon at Windsor, which started a chain of beacons across the country to mark the start of celebrations for the 25th anniversary of her accession to the throne.
As part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1977, a scout hands the Queen, who was visiting Australia, the torch that was used to ignite the Olympic flame in Sydney in 1956. On June 6, she used the flame to light a bonfire beacon at Windsor, which started a chain of beacons across the country to mark the start of celebrations for the 25th anniversary of her accession to the throne.
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Huge crowds line the streets of London to see the royal procession during the Silver Jubilee celebrations on June 7, 1977.
Huge crowds line the streets of London to see the royal procession during the Silver Jubilee celebrations on June 7, 1977.
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The Queen is greeted at St. Paul's Cathedral on June 7, 1977, for a thanksgiving service to mark her 25 years on the throne. She is followed by her husband, Prince Philip, and eldest child, Prince Charles.
The Queen is greeted at St. Paul's Cathedral on June 7, 1977, for a thanksgiving service to mark her 25 years on the throne. She is followed by her husband, Prince Philip, and eldest child, Prince Charles.
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Flag-waving crowds greet the Queen as she walks to the Guildhall for lunch, following the Silver Jubilee thanksgiving service. She is accompanied by then-Lord Mayor of London Robin Gillett.
Flag-waving crowds greet the Queen as she walks to the Guildhall for lunch, following the Silver Jubilee thanksgiving service. She is accompanied by then-Lord Mayor of London Robin Gillett.
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After the service, the Queen and members of the royal family go to a celebratory Commonwealth lunch at the Guildhall. Among those seated at the top table are her four children, as well as her mother and sister, the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret. She says in a speech: "My Lord Mayor, when I was 21 I pledged my life to the service of our people and I asked for God's help to make good that vow. Although that vow was made in my salad days, when I was green in judgment, I do not regret nor retract one word of it."
After the service, the Queen and members of the royal family go to a celebratory Commonwealth lunch at the Guildhall. Among those seated at the top table are her four children, as well as her mother and sister, the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret. She says in a speech: "My Lord Mayor, when I was 21 I pledged my life to the service of our people and I asked for God's help to make good that vow. Although that vow was made in my salad days, when I was green in judgment, I do not regret nor retract one word of it."
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Parties are held in streets and villages up and down the country to commemorate the Silver Jubilee. There are 4,000 such events in London alone, according to the official royal <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.royal.uk%2Fqueens-jubilees-and-other-milestones" target="_blank" target="_blank">website</a>.
Parties are held in streets and villages up and down the country to commemorate the Silver Jubilee. There are 4,000 such events in London alone, according to the official royal website.
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The Queen made several Buckingham Palace balcony appearances during her Silver Jubilee celebrations. As she waves to the crowds on June 7, 1977, she is joined by (left to right) Prince Charles, Prince Edward, Prince Andrew, Earl Mountbatten, Prince Philip, Captain Mark Phillips and his then-wife, Princess Anne.
The Queen made several Buckingham Palace balcony appearances during her Silver Jubilee celebrations. As she waves to the crowds on June 7, 1977, she is joined by (left to right) Prince Charles, Prince Edward, Prince Andrew, Earl Mountbatten, Prince Philip, Captain Mark Phillips and his then-wife, Princess Anne.
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Children toast to the sovereign at a street party in Liverpool in 1977 to mark the Queen's 25-year reign.
Children toast to the sovereign at a street party in Liverpool in 1977 to mark the Queen's 25-year reign.
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The Queen enjoys a laugh with two young well-wishers at St. Katherine's Dock, London during the final Silver Jubilee event -- a trip down the Thames river on June 9, 1977.
The Queen enjoys a laugh with two young well-wishers at St. Katherine's Dock, London during the final Silver Jubilee event -- a trip down the Thames river on June 9, 1977.
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The Queen is welcomed at St. Katharine's Dock near the Tower of London during her Silver Jubilee.
The Queen is welcomed at St. Katharine's Dock near the Tower of London during her Silver Jubilee.
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A sharply dressed man in morning suit rests his top hat on his lap as he reads the program for the Silver Jubilee Trooping the Colour ceremony.
A sharply dressed man in morning suit rests his top hat on his lap as he reads the program for the Silver Jubilee Trooping the Colour ceremony.
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The traditional Trooping the Colour ceremony is a spectacular display of officers from the Queen's personal troops -- the Household Division -- each year in June. In other years, it honors the official birthday of the sovereign.
The traditional Trooping the Colour ceremony is a spectacular display of officers from the Queen's personal troops -- the Household Division -- each year in June. In other years, it honors the official birthday of the sovereign.
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Craig Metcalf and Jayne Wood, both from Brighouse, Yorkshire, join thousands of others in the grounds of Buckingham Palace in London for the Prom at the Palace, a classical concert, on the first evening of the Golden Jubilee celebratory weekend in 2002.
Craig Metcalf and Jayne Wood, both from Brighouse, Yorkshire, join thousands of others in the grounds of Buckingham Palace in London for the Prom at the Palace, a classical concert, on the first evening of the Golden Jubilee celebratory weekend in 2002.
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Romanian soprano Angela Gheorghiu performs on a stage at the Golden Jubilee concert. Twelve thousand tickets were allocated by ballot for the event, which also featured New Zealand soprano Kiri Te Kanawa.
Romanian soprano Angela Gheorghiu performs on a stage at the Golden Jubilee concert. Twelve thousand tickets were allocated by ballot for the event, which also featured New Zealand soprano Kiri Te Kanawa.
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Residents of Melbourne Road, Wimbledon, in southwest London sit at a long Union Jack-bedecked table, enjoying food, drink and conversation during their 2002 Golden Jubilee street party.
Residents of Melbourne Road, Wimbledon, in southwest London sit at a long Union Jack-bedecked table, enjoying food, drink and conversation during their 2002 Golden Jubilee street party.
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Buckingham Palace is emblazoned with images of the Union Jack flag while fireworks light up the sky after the concert.
Buckingham Palace is emblazoned with images of the Union Jack flag while fireworks light up the sky after the concert.
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The Queen and Prince Philip watch the impressive fireworks display.
The Queen and Prince Philip watch the impressive fireworks display.
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Huge crowds flood both sides of the Mall in central London to see the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh travel to St. Paul's Cathedral for a service of thanksgiving to celebrate the Golden Jubilee, on June 4, 2002.
Huge crowds flood both sides of the Mall in central London to see the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh travel to St. Paul's Cathedral for a service of thanksgiving to celebrate the Golden Jubilee, on June 4, 2002.
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Royal-watchers young and old gather to catch a glimpse of the royal couple in the horse-drawn Gold State Coach, which was built in 1762.
Royal-watchers young and old gather to catch a glimpse of the royal couple in the horse-drawn Gold State Coach, which was built in 1762.
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The Queen is joined by family members at the thanksgiving service, including (second row, left to right) Princess Beatrice, Prince Harry, Prince William and Prince Charles.
The Queen is joined by family members at the thanksgiving service, including (second row, left to right) Princess Beatrice, Prince Harry, Prince William and Prince Charles.
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Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair, left, delivers a speech praising the Queen's commitment to others and describes the "huge affection" in which the nation holds her during a celebratory lunch at the Guildhall on June 4, 2002.
Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair, left, delivers a speech praising the Queen's commitment to others and describes the "huge affection" in which the nation holds her during a celebratory lunch at the Guildhall on June 4, 2002.
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One million people gather along the Mall for the finale of the Golden Jubilee celebrations -- a <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2002%2FWORLD%2Feurope%2F06%2F04%2Fuk.jubilee%2Findex.html" target="_blank">fly-past</a> over Buckingham Palace. Concorde, Tornado fighters and a new Eurofighter combat plane were among the 27 aircraft to soar over the royal residence.
One million people gather along the Mall for the finale of the Golden Jubilee celebrations -- a fly-past over Buckingham Palace. Concorde, Tornado fighters and a new Eurofighter combat plane were among the 27 aircraft to soar over the royal residence.
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The Diamond Jubilee weekend -- marking the 60th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne -- opens with a trip to the races. A lifelong horse lover, the Queen was joined by Prince Philip at Epsom Derby in Epsom, southern England, on Saturday, June 2, 2012, where they viewed the horses from the parade ring.
The Diamond Jubilee weekend -- marking the 60th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne -- opens with a trip to the races. A lifelong horse lover, the Queen was joined by Prince Philip at Epsom Derby in Epsom, southern England, on Saturday, June 2, 2012, where they viewed the horses from the parade ring.
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Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attend the "Big Jubilee Lunch" in central London ahead of the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant on June 3, 2012. This was only the second time in British history that a monarch celebrated a Diamond Jubilee -- the first being Queen Victoria.
Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attend the "Big Jubilee Lunch" in central London ahead of the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant on June 3, 2012. This was only the second time in British history that a monarch celebrated a Diamond Jubilee -- the first being Queen Victoria.
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Royal fans flocked to the Thames river on June 3, 2012, to catch a glimpse of the Queen aboard a ceremonial barge at the center of a 1,000-boat pageant to mark her Diamond Jubilee.
Royal fans flocked to the Thames river on June 3, 2012, to catch a glimpse of the Queen aboard a ceremonial barge at the center of a 1,000-boat pageant to mark her Diamond Jubilee.
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Hundreds of rowing boats, barges and steamers filled the Thames in a colorful tribute to the Queen.
Hundreds of rowing boats, barges and steamers filled the Thames in a colorful tribute to the Queen.
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The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh on board the "Spirit of Chartwell" royal barge during the Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the Thames. The couple are accompanied by family members including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Duke of Sussex, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.
The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh on board the "Spirit of Chartwell" royal barge during the Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the Thames. The couple are accompanied by family members including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Duke of Sussex, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.
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Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Prince Harry wave as they pass the Houses of Parliament aboard the royal barge.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Prince Harry wave as they pass the Houses of Parliament aboard the royal barge.
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Balconies of apartment blocks along the Thames are packed with royal-watchers.
Balconies of apartment blocks along the Thames are packed with royal-watchers.
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Music-lovers prepare for the Queen's jubilee concert outside Buckingham Palace in London, on June 4, 2012. Following the concert, a chain of thousands of beacons were lit to mark the Queen's 60-year reign.
Music-lovers prepare for the Queen's jubilee concert outside Buckingham Palace in London, on June 4, 2012. Following the concert, a chain of thousands of beacons were lit to mark the Queen's 60-year reign.
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Fireworks light up the palace during a star-studded Diamond Jubilee concert organized by Take That singer and songwriter Gary Barlow. The Queen made a regal appearance but without Prince Philip, who <del> </del>was <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fedition.cnn.com%2F2012%2F06%2F09%2Fworld%2Feurope%2Fuk-prince-philip%2Findex.html" target="_blank">hospitalized</a> just hours earlier.
Fireworks light up the palace during a star-studded Diamond Jubilee concert organized by Take That singer and songwriter Gary Barlow. The Queen made a regal appearance but without Prince Philip, who was hospitalized just hours earlier.
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Paul McCartney and Cheryl Cole were among the stars to share a stage with the Queen during the Diamond Jubilee Concert, where Prince Charles greeted his mother with a kiss on the hand.
Paul McCartney and Cheryl Cole were among the stars to share a stage with the Queen during the Diamond Jubilee Concert, where Prince Charles greeted his mother with a kiss on the hand.
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Accompanied by the Dean of St. Paul's, David Ison, the Queen views an inscription at the foot of the steps of the cathedral commemorating Queen Victoria's 60th anniversary on the throne.
Accompanied by the Dean of St. Paul's, David Ison, the Queen views an inscription at the foot of the steps of the cathedral commemorating Queen Victoria's 60th anniversary on the throne.
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The Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duchess and Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry, leave Westminster Hall following the Diamond Jubilee Lunch in 2012.
The Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duchess and Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry, leave Westminster Hall following the Diamond Jubilee Lunch in 2012.
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The Mall is awash with red, white and blue as revelers pack in to watch the royal family take to the Buckingham Palace balcony.
The Mall is awash with red, white and blue as revelers pack in to watch the royal family take to the Buckingham Palace balcony.
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The Windsors gather on the Buckingham Palace balcony without Prince Philip, who was hospitalized for an infection a day earlier.
The Windsors gather on the Buckingham Palace balcony without Prince Philip, who was hospitalized for an infection a day earlier.
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