The Queen has thanked those who have sent her messages of kindness on the day she became the UK’s longest-serving monarch.
Her Majesty made a short speech acknowledging the milestone as she opened a new railway in Scotland, on what the Royal Family describe as a day like any other.
The Queen broke the record previously held by her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria whose reign, according to Buckingham Palace, lasted for 23,226 days, 16 hours and 23 minutes – or around 63 years and 216 days.
The milestone was passed at about 5.30pm this afternoon – but it was difficult to pinpoint a precise time because the exact moment of her father’s death is not known.
Earlier in the day, she arrived in Tweedbank station after spending the last few hours travelling on a steam train on the newly opened £294m Borders Railway, and spoke to hundreds of people who had turned out to see her unveil a plaque.
Video:
Longest Serving British Monarch
Among those who accompanied her on the railway journey from the Scottish capital were the Duke of Edinburgh and the First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon.
:: Play the Reign Game
She thanked those who gathered at the station to welcome help her celebrate the day, including many schoolchildren.
Video:
UK Honours Longest-Serving Monarch
She said: “Prince Philip and I are very grateful for the warmth of your welcome on this occasion.
“Many … have kindly noted another significance attaching to today, although it is not one to which I have ever aspired.
“Inevitably, a long life can pass by many milestones. My own is no exception.
Gallery: Queen Elizabeth II Becomes Longest Reigning Monarch
In London, the BT Tower displays “Long may she reign” in celebration of the Queen becoming the longest-serving British monarch
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh arrive at Edinburgh’s Waverley Station for a day of royal engagements
Article source: http://news.sky.com/story/1549538
The post Queen Becomes Britain’s Longest-Serving Monarch appeared first on Silk 106.9.