Photo Gallery

• 1 Diamond memories: Highlights of the Queen's momentous year
  From exotic tours abroad – read the Cambridges roaming the jungle of Borneo – to the magnificent Thames Pageant and the regal finale on the Buckingham Palace balcony,...

• 2 Colourful celebrations as the King of Thailand marks his 85th birthday
  Thailand's capital Bangkok was a sea of colour and celebrations as some 200,000 people turned out in their droves to mark their monarch's 85th birthday. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej – who...

• 3 Britain's finest give the torch a scorching welcome to London
  After an epic journey spanning 69 days and involving thousands of inspirational people, the Olympic flame has finally arrived home. On Thursday, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge led the party as thousands...

• 4 Behind the scenes of the lavish White House welcome for David and Samantha
  It was the biggest party ever thrown by the Obamas. And Britain's David and Samantha Cameron had access all areas, including the Truman Balcony and the Blue Room, where the Prime Minister signed the guest...

• 5 Majesty of the monarchy on display at magnificent OBE ceremony
  The Queen dressed in full royal regalia for a service of thanksgiving for the Order of the British Empire this week. Watched by around 2,000 holders of the honour, the 85-year-old monarch processed...

• 6 A look at Mary's family album as her adorable twins turn one
  "She handled it beautifully," said Prince Frederick of Denmark shortly after his wife presented him with twins a year ago.  Mary had given birth to a boy and a...

• 7 Behind the scenes with the Obamas: Candid snapshots of a presidential family life
  The last few months have been intense and difficult for US President Barack Obama. Although his foreign policies have been a success - he lead the search for Osama Bin Laden and followed closely...

• 8 Boosting the special relationship with a cup of tea in Downing Street
  After the pomp and ceremony of Tuesday's welcome, this was one of the more informal moments of the American presidential couple's visit to Britain. Michelle Obama sat down for a chat with Samantha...