As the longest-ruling monarch in British history, Her Majesty The Queen is a much loved and respected figure around the world.
She's endearingly seen as the nation's grandmother, smiling sweetly as she greets well-wishers and making sure her guests feel at ease in her company.
Her Majesty has seen enormous social, political and economic change during her extraordinary life and 68-year reign, but has proved to be the constant throughout difficult times, this year included.
She filled the nation with hope during her rare public broadcast in April, when she told us: "We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again."
"It's understandable that we sometimes think the world's problems are so big that we can do little to help. On our own, we cannot end wars or wipe out injustice, but the cumulative impact of thousands of small acts of goodness can be bigger than we imagine." - Her Majesty the Queen
While the monarch has scaled down her workload through the years, she still has links - as patron or president - with over 600 charities, military associations, professional bodies and public service organisations.
Her patronages and charities cover a wide range of issues, from opportunities for young people, to the preservation of wildlife and the environment.
As Head of the Commonwealth, she is sovereign of 15 commonwealth realms in addition to the UK.
In 2016, the Queen's kind-hearted nature was reflected in her speech as she said: "It's understandable that we sometimes think the world's problems are so big that we can do little to help. On our own, we cannot end wars or wipe out injustice, but the cumulative impact of thousands of small acts of goodness can be bigger than we imagine."
These words inspired the creation of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust - a charity which was established in honour of Her Majesty’s lifetime of service to the commonwealth, and her belief in young people as a force for good in the world today.
Nicola Brentnall, Chief Executive of the QCT, told HELLO!: "With Her Majesty's blessing, we focus on the leadership, kindness and service provided by young social entrepreneurs who are leading positive change with little money but big ambition to make a difference.
"Our young people are united by a desire to give something of themselves to help others. Through small grants, support and advice, we get behind them to deliver practical initiatives to boost the prosperity, equality and the well-being of the communities in which they live.
"Our projects focus on finding sustainable local solutions to local problems such as poverty, lack of access to education, human rights abuses and climate change.
“Some of our young leaders have overcome huge odds and hardship to create charitable ventures which improve the lives of those around them. They are the change we want to see in the world.
"The compassion and generosity that is on display through our growing network is heartening. Our young leaders are creating a culture and movement based around the proposition that through small acts of goodness, lives and communities can be transformed."
Like this story? Sign up to our newsletter to get other stories like this delivered straight to your inbox.
