2013 is the 60th anniversary of the first successful ascent of Everest. The highest mountain in the world has captivated mountaineers for decades.

Since it was first proclaimed as the tallest peak by an Indian mathematician in 1852, the mountain has been a symbol for human endeavour and increasingly the subject of much controversy. Mr Lowe was the last surviving member of the team until he died earlier this year aged 89. Mr Lowe, who was born in New Zealand, was part of the team that helped Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay to become the first to reach the top of the world´s highest peak on May 29 1953.

This evening the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will attend a reception to mark the anniversary at the Royal Geographical Society.