Queen makes it clear she will not abdicate

The Queen today made it clear, as she prepared for a weekend of celebrations, that she will continue to serve her country, declaring that she will never abdicate her throne.

Her confidants have told of how she is still as determined as ever to serve the nation for the rest of her life. And they revealed it is because of the over-riding sense of duty she has felt since taking her Coronation vows six decades ago. Her Majesty is only the second head of state in the history of Britain to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee.

She follows in the footsteps of her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria.

"The promise she made before God to dedicate her life to her country and to her people all those years ago is one that she takes as seriously today,' said one member of her inner circle.

"As far as she is concerned, that has been it. And that will be it, for the rest of her life."

The Queen has released her views to clarify her future role as head of this country and the Commonwealth.

Prime Minister David Cameron today described her as "brilliant, enduring and resilient" while Prince Charles said simply she was his "wonderful Mama".

Friends say the 86-year-old Queen, who acceded to the throne at 25, is keen to use this milestone to dedicate herself anew to the country.

"Abdication is not a question, I believe, that she would ever consider. There is a very spiritual element to the Queen's life, something from which I know she derives great strength, and her vow is one that she intends to keep," said one friend.

"Queen Victoria would never have considered abdicating and neither will our Queen.

"And what is so marvellous for us is that she is like a rock in a stormy sea, we know she is there regardless.

"Everything else around us shakes, but she doesn't.

"Amid all the celebrations this weekend, that is a point we should never forget."