This year marks HM Queen Elizabeth II‘s 60th year on the throne, as the Queen of England. In 1952 — at the age of 25 — she became queen after the death of her father, King George VI, and has served her country regally everyday since.

In this modernized era, the reigning monarch no longer sovereignly rules the Commonwealth, thus creating controversy over the last few decades as to why the monarchy remains in existence — strangely, mostly foreign controversy.

I have never quite been able to wrap my comprehension as to why countries who are not under the rule of the monarchy take issue with it. Particularly here in America. (However, CNN recently reported that the Queen’s popularity here in the states is currently ‘sky high‘.)

Granted there are those who argue that there are British citizens who want to ‘do away’ with the monarchy, though I can assure you they come few and far in-between; and no evidence proved that more than the past few days as England celebrated The Diamond Jubilee, which observes a monarch’s 60 years of reign.

This was only the second Diamond Jubilee in England’s history — Queen Victoria‘s (1819-1901) being the first — and the passion, pride, and spirit exuded by the British people surprised even members of the Royal Family.

The overwhelming support displayed by the British people during the jubilee celebration was a declarative testament of their love for their queen, and their monarchy.

There is no doubt in the minds of British that the Queen has certainly delivered on the promise she made to them six decades ago; vowing to serve them vigorously until the day she died.

More impressive is how she has managed to pull double duty for the last six decades, in both serving her country and being the matriarch of her family. She credits a great deal of her success to her husband of 64 years, Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh. In an address to Parliament earlier this year, she described The Duke as being “a constant strength and guide.”

Unfortunately, one cannot live forever — a rule that makes an exception for no one, not even Her Majesty. As a result of such reality, attention has turned to the future of the monarchy. The 2011 wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton created a jubilant state of euphoria in Europe, and all of the world; as William is the future King of England.

However, what many seem to subconsciously forget is that when the Queen does die, it is her eldest son, Prince Charles, who is next in line for the throne. Though with the queen’s mother living to be 101 — before her death in 2002 — and the Queen herself seeming to be in great health [at age 86], the question has began to circulate — what happens if Prince Charles dies before Queen Elizabeth?

In that event, Prince William would then become the heir apparent; as the primary line of succession goes through Prince Charles and his descendants.

In stepping away from hypotheticals, one thing for certain is that 2012 is indeed the Year of the Brit. All eyes are on England, as in addition to the Diamond Jubilee, London serves as host of the Summer Olympics this coming July; and are scheduled to be opened by none other than Her Majesty, the Queen.

“Hip hip…”