The new millennium has witnessed powerful events and poignant moments for queen and country. The whole nation celebrated the 100th birthday of the queen Mother in 2000. But the devastating events of 9/11 ushered in a dark new era, and London itself would be traumatized by terrorism. There was personal sorrow as the queen reached a great milestone; she lost both her sister and mother early in her Golden Jubilee year. But the queen was heartened by the outpouring of pride and affection from a grateful nation, and as she turned 80 four years later, her sense of duty remained as strong as ever. Her son and heir, Prince Charles finally married Camilla Parker Bowles. Princes William and Harry followed family tradition by joining the Armed Forces, as war in Iraq and Afghanistan dominated the headlines. And with the global economy in dire straits, the whole world was captivated by the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
