QUEEN ELIZABETH: LONGEST REIGNING BRITISH MONARCH

Coronation Day, 2 June 1953

Photo: Cecil Beaton/Royal Collection Trust/PA

This is the day Elizabeth II becomes the longest reigning British monarch, surpassing the previous record of her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria’s 63 years, 216 days, give or take a few hours. Since the exact hour of King George VI’s death in 1952 is not known, precise timing is inexact.

Victoria’s Coronation Portrait by George Hayter, 1838

Queen Victoria had surpassed her grandfather George III’s record reign of 59 years, 96 days, though in the last nine of those years, he was incapacitated by mental illness, and royal power was in the hands of his son, the Prince Regent, later George IV.

Last week, the Daily Mail carried a story about the low-key nature of the event. Click here.

However, she is expected to temporarily leave Balmoral Castle where she is on holiday with her family to open the Scottish Borders Railway and ride a steam train. Otherwise, she will keep to her usual schedule of daily walks and rides, working on the Red Boxes, and enjoying her grand- and great-grandchildren.

Photo: Royal Collection/PA

The Queen’s milestone is not going unnoticed all over the world. Take a look at People Magazine’;s coverage here.

The Queen has traveled more than any other monarch, making 265 Overseas Visits.
An interactive map is here.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh leaving for the State Opening of Parliament in London,

27 May 2015 Photo: Stephen Lock/i-Images/PA

And it is another opportunity to acquire more souvenirs. Commemorative plates and other china articles are on sale at Royal Collection Trust shops and by mail. Photo: Royal Collection/PA

Displays of memorable photographic portraits taken during the Queen’s 63-year reign will go on display at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse today.