The Queen and Prince Philip have celebrated 60 years of marriage at a special service at Westminster Abbey.

The royal couple retraced their footsteps down the aisle of Westminster Abbey where they wed as young bride and groom in 1947 - two years after the end of the Second World War.

Memories of their big day were at the forefront of their minds as the Queen, 81, and Duke, 86, took their places, joined by a 2,000-strong congregation.

Senior royals including the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and Princes William and Harry were there as well as Prime Minister Gordon Brown, former leaders Baroness Thatcher and Sir John Major, religious representatives, military chiefs of staff and some of the Queen's godchildren.

Heir to the throne Charles hosted a party for his parents at Clarence House on Sunday night.

More than 20 close members of the Royal Family toasted the Queen and Philip's anniversary at a special black tie dinner at the Prince's home.

The Queen is the first British monarch to celebrate a diamond wedding.

Princess Elizabeth and Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten wed on Thursday November 20, 1947.

The ceremony provided the nation with a splash of colour in the tough post-war days - a morale boost in the wake of Britain's conflict with Germany, amid the widespread rationing facing the nation.

The bride wore an ivory silk Norman Hartnell gown, decorated with 10,000 seed pearls, glittering crystals and featuring an intricate 13ft star-patterned train.

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.