Four months of celebrations for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee kick-off

Sixty years ago Monday, Princess Elizabeth ascended to the throne.

Ottawa has pledged $7.5-million to promote events countrywide, among them a Royal visit by Charles and Camilla in May.

Back on February 6th, 1952, King George the Sixth died; 16 months later, Princess Elizabeth took her seat on the British throne.

To mark the occasion, the Queen's Canadian flag has been raised above the Alberta legislature; Lieutenant Governor Donald S. Ethell will preside over the inaugural Diamond Jubilee medal ceremony.

At 6:00 p.m. Monday, the bells will ring in Calgary's clock tower at city hall.

Some interesting facts about the Queen: her full name is Elizabeth Alexandra Mary of York, she stands 5' 4" tall, her shoe size is 7.5, and Dubonnet and gin is one of her favourite drinks.