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Queen Elizabeth's Crowns: The Ultimate Royal Accessory (PHOTOS)

The Ultimate Royal Accessory
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No other accessory symbolizes a queen better than her crown. Over the course of her 60 years as the British Commonwealth's reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II has donned some stunning royal regalia, and carried it off with effortless style.

Crowns are, not surprisingly, reserved for the most important occasions -- they have been used historically to symbolize the wearer's supreme status, governing right and sometimes, diving being. Aesthetically, they instantly set royalty apart from their subjects with their ornate design, precious materials and jewels. And an added bonus: crowns make the wearer look taller.

Queen Elizabeth's ascension to the British throne was marked by a grand coronation ceremony on June 2, 1953 (she assumed her title the year before after the death of her father, King George VI) -- reportedly the first to be televised. As she celebrates her Diamond Jubilee this weekend, we thought it only fitting to take a look at the majestic crowns and tiaras she's worn over the years. We're not the only ones with a fascination for the bejeweled headwear -- famed UK department store Harrods has created a special Diamond Jubilee window display with unique crowns by top designers.

Correction: A previous version of this story stated incorrectly that the Queen ascended the throne following Edward VIII's abdication, when in fact she ascended following the death of her father in 1952.

Have a look at Queen Elizabeth's royal headwear below. If you must wear a crown of your own this weekend, read Tatler's quick tips on how to pull one off.

The coronation

Queen Elizabeth II's Crowns

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