WINDSOR CASTLE, UK (CBS) - Monday's an important day for Queen Elizabeth. It's the 60th anniversary of the day she became Britain's monarch. And starting tomorrow, a new photo exhibit shows this stoic figure at work and at play.
Queen Elizabeth the Second is about to open the doors of Windsor Castle to the public on display a royal collection of candid photographs.
Sixty photos for 60 years on the throne, which show the world's most famous monarch in a very different light: the public, the private, the formal and the more friendly.
Royal commentator Victoria Mather says, "I think what's very distinctive about this exhibition, is there are so many pictures of smiley queen."
There are lots of a smiley queen, especially with husband Prince Phillip by her side.
There's a big focus on family including the proud moment when Prince William graduated from Sandhurst Military Academy and appears to stifle a laugh.
No such reserve for the queen herself, however, as one of her horses romps home. Mather says, "Isn't that amazing, we always think of the queen as being very measured and very unspontaneous and every details thought out and there's this fantastic 'yes!'."
An early, more formal photo shows the queen during a state visit from John and Jacqueline Kennedy and dressed down riding alongside President Reagan on the castle grounds.
Mather says, "You can see that she's talking to him. This is an easy conversation out in Windsor great Park. It's a magical moment for them both."
Of the 12 presidents who have served under her reign and counting, did she ever let on that she had any favorites? Mather says, "The queen would never be so indiscrete."
But they also show that life can be lonely at the top. One of the photos really sticks out. Sixty years on the throne; she appears to be isolated here. Mather says, "It does show this phenomenal isolation that she is apart from us all but that doesn't mean she isn't a part of us all."
About the only thing face you don't see here is William's new bride Catherine. Not even a wedding snap. The curator explains why. Lisa Heighway says, "We're exhibiting the queen here, not Kate. Absolutely delightful as she is and how wonderful the wedding was. This exhibition is the queen."