Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee: Armed Forces Pay Tribute with Stunning Show at Windsor [PHOTOS]

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh attended the Armed Forces Parade and Muster at Windsor, which was held in honour of the 60th anniversary of the Queen's reign.

The event saw nearly 2,500 troops from the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force (RAF) do a march-past before the Queen, at Windsor Castle, before mustering in an arena to mark Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee. They then paraded through the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle, down through the town of Windsor along Castle Hill, Thames Street and Datchet Road and into Home Park (Private) via Town Gate.

The event finished by a tri-service fly-past of 78 aircraft, both those in service and historic models. The event opened with a fly-past too, with nine RAF Typhoons flying over Windsor Castle at 11 am BST.

"Her Majesty The Queen's support and encouragement over the years has created a very special bond between our monarch and her forces. That link is felt by all those who have the privilege to wear Her Majesty's uniform both in the UK and on many varied operations overseas," General Sir David Richards, Chief of the Defence Staff said, to the official Web site for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, adding, "The parade and muster will truly be a day to remember. It is an opportunity to highlight the unique relationship the Queen has with the men and women of the Armed Forces and the role she fills in our lives."

According to a BBC report, a drumhead service (where a makeshift altar is formed by three tiers of drums) then took place, after which General Richards addressed the Queen.

"For six decades your devotion to duty, sense of honour and pride in our country have set the standards to which your armed forces constantly aspire," the General said.

"We were keen to give her a day she will enjoy. There are so many good activities going on as part of the Jubilee celebrations and this is something that only we, the military, can do," Air Vice Marshal Murray, who helped organise the event, told BBC.

The event shows the bond between the Queen and the armed forces. It has been a tradition to pay tribute to the monarch during a Jubilee year by the armed forces. Similar celebrations were held during the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, the Silver Jubilee of King George V and the Silver and Golden Jubilees of the present Queen.