The fourth decade of The Queen's reign saw two conflicts involving UK servicemen and women.

British troops travelled to the South Atlantic in April 1982 to recover the Falkland Islands and South Georgia.

In addition to her concern for the Forces of which she was Head, The Queen shared the anxiety of many other mothers of men and women serving in the conflict, as Prince Andrew was the pilot of a Sea King helicopter during the war. In September 1982, The Queen, Prince Philip and Princess Anne met Prince Andrew as he returned to Portsmouth on his ship.

In the second conflict of the decade, British forces travelled to the Gulf in the Middle East in January 1991, to assist in the Allied action to drive out Iraqi armies from occupied Kuwait.

In 1990 The Queen took part in events commemorating the 50th anniversary of Battle of Britain. The act of remembrance included a fly-past and a review of a parade of RAF units and veterans.

The decade also saw political and religious barriers being broken down in several important events. History was made in 1982 when Pope John Paul II visited Britain, the first pope to do so for 450 years. The Queen, Head of the Church of England, received him at Buckingham Palace.

Ties with the Commonwealth were reinforced by visits to Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the Caribbean. They allowed The Queen to participate in key events in the countries' political independence. In February 1983, The Queen opened the Jamaican Parliament in its 21st anniversary year of independence.

Australia's bicentenary year in 1988 was celebrated with visits by The Queen and Prince Philip as well as The Prince and Princess of Wales. During the visit, The Queen opened the new Parliament House in Canberra.

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh gained more grandchildren with the birth of two sons to The Prince and Princess of Wales and two daughters to The Duke and Duchess of York.

In 1986 The Queen took part in celebrations in Windsor and London to mark her 60th birthday.