Preparations to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee have been going on for months and the results of all the hard work are starting to show.The royal carriages are being polished, giant Union Jack flags hang over the streets of London and the largest image of the royal family ever produced has been erected over the Thames.The celebrations reach a climax over four days from June 2 to June 5 with a 1,000-boat river pageant on the Thames, a concert featuring some of pop's biggest names and the pomp and splendour of a ceremonial parade.
Carriage restorer David Evans cleans the 1902 State Landau carriage at the Royal Mews in Buckingham Palace, as the horses and carriages are prepared for the celebrations.
A closer look at the carriage.
Coachmen prepare the horses.
The Royal Mail has launched a new collection to mark the Queen's 60 year reign.
The eight adhesive labels, featuring archive photographs, highlight some of the most memorable moments.
From her first televised Christmas broadcast in 1957 to inspecting the 2nd Battalion Royal Welsh half a century later in 2007 the set reveals some of hugely diverse duties she has performed over the years.
Each flag measures 4 x 2.5 metres in size and create a striking backdrop to one of the world's most famous historical shopping thoroughfares.
A sky of 140 flags suspended from 28 crossings will lead to Piccadilly Circus before continuing down Regent Street in the south.
Covent Garden Market has also been decorated.
A giant 540 sq m Union Jack flag featuring an image of the Queen was unveiled on one of the runways at Heathrow Airport to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee and mark the airport's role in six decades of regal globetrotting.
A LEGO mosaic of Queen Elizabeth II made up of 158,000-bricks goes on display at the Hamleys store in Regent Street.
The chosen picture is one of the most memorable photographs ever taken of the Queen, Prince Philip and their children.
It was snapped by an unknown photographer during the Silver Jubilee in 1977.
The image, which measures 100m by 70m and weighs in at nearly two tons, was erected onto the Sea Containers building - and will be visible to her Majesty as she passes by during Sunday's boat parade on the Thames.
London's South Bank has become a temporary home to the largest image of the royal family ever produced.
