Happy Birthday, Queen Sofia of Spain

The eldest child of King Paul of Greece and Princess Frederica of Hanover, Princess Sofia was born in Psychiko, Athens, Greece on November 2, 1938. Her younger brother is the former King Constantine II. Another sister is Princess Irene of Greece and Denmark. Her marriage to Prince Juan Carlos of Spain, celebrated in 1962, produced three children: Infanta Elena, Duchess of Lugo (born December 20, 1963); Infanta Cristina, Duchess of Palma de Mallorca (born June 13, 1965); and Felipe, Prince of Asturias (born January 30, 1968), now King of Spain. With Juan Carlos's succession to the Spanish throne in 1975, Sofia was crown Queen of Spain. In celebration of the Queen's dedication to her duty and quiet dignity through the trials that rocked her family, here are 10 of the loveliest photos of Her Majesty. Here's also a must-read article celebrating the life of one of Europe's well-loved queens.

King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain (front right) on an official visit to Denmark in 1980. In this photo on the front left is Queen Margrethe II and her husband Henrik, Prince Consort of Denmark, back right

Sofia wearing the Niarchos Ruby Tiara, Spain (1962; made by Van Cleef & Arpels; rubies, diamonds).

King Juan Carlos and Queen Sophia of Spain.

Princess Diana and the Queen Sofia of Spain at the Marivent Palace in Majorca, 1987.

Queen Sofia of Spain is honored with the 'Steiger Award 2014' at Heinrichshuette in Hattingen, Germany.

King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain, c1978.

Queen Sofia and her sister, Princess Irene of Greece during the 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebrations for King Constantine and Queen Anne-Marie of Greece, 2014.

Queen Sofia of Spain, standing second from left, joins her mother, Queen Frederica of Greece, left-most side, Queen Anne-Marie of Greece holding Crown Prince Pavlos, Princess Irene of Greece, King Constantine of Greece holding the hand of Princess Alexia. Now, that's a lot of Majesties in one immediate family!

Baby Princess Sofia cuddled in Queen Frederica's lap.

During King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia's wedding.