EARLIER this month, Queen Elizabeth II became the longest reigning monarch and surpassed Queen Victoria, her great-great-grandmother. Her 63 year and seven-month reign became the longest in history on Wednesday 9th at 17:30, having reigned for 23,266 days and 16 hours.
There were many prominent figures who praised the Queen’s service, with the Prime Minister David Cameron stating that she was a “rock of stability” and that her service was “truly humbling”. Harriet Harmon, the Acting Leader of the Opposition at the time stated that the Queen was “admired by billions of people all around the world”.
The Queen herself said:
“Inevitably a long life can pass by many milestones – my own is no exception – but I thank you all and the many others at home and overseas for your touching messages of great kindness,”
Elizabeth became Queen at the age of 25 after the death of her father Kind George VI on the 6th February 1952. The Queen is head of state for 138 million people, and is Head of the Commonwealth, and is also the reigning sovereign for 15 nations. During her reign, there have been 12 prime ministers within the UK and she has visited over 116 countries.
Elizabeth was the first British monarch to celebrate a diamond wedding anniversary, having been married to Prince Philip for nearly 68 years.