IT'S going to be the biggest birthday party of the year as the most famous ship in the world, Southampton's legendary Queen Elizabeth 2, celebrates 36 years of unparalleled service to the city and the nation.

When the luxury liner makes her way up Southampton Water to her home berth on Monday morning, her arrival will be her 641st visit to the docks and marks the completion of her 1,374th voyage and the 4,856th port call.

As her mooring lines are made fast at 38/9 berth in the Eastern Docks it will be 36 years to the day that QE2 left Southampton for her maiden

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