Unmarked by any official commemorations, the reign of Queen Elizabeth II has become the second longest in British history, overtaking that of George III.
Since ascending the throne on the death of her father, George VI on February 6 1952, the Queen has reigned for a total of 59 years and 110 days – including leap years – or 21,645 days.
She now ranks second only to Queen Victoria, who died in 1901 after 63 years and seven months on the throne, in the history of the monarchy in the British Isles over more than 1,000 years.
The Queen, who celebrates her Diamond Jubilee next year, is set to overtake even Victoria’s record in September 2015, at the age of 89.
Among living heads of state in world, only King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand – who has occupied the country’s throne since 1946 – has served for longer.
During her reign she has attended an estimated 25,500 official engagements in Britain, conferred 400,000 honours and awards and received 3.5 million items of correspondence.
A total of 12 prime ministers and six Archbishops of Canterbury have served under her while she has hosted more than a million garden party guests, scores of foreign heads of state, two popes and five astronauts at her palaces.
But despite fitting in an average of 430 engagements a year, today’s landmark will not be commemorated with any formal events.
She is expected to spend the day privately at Windsor although visitors to the Royal Windsor Horse Show, in the castle grounds, might just have the chance to pass on their congratulations.
Buckingham Palace signalled that the Queen may well “pop in”.
Many Years to H.M.The Queen
On a side note I am reminded of the story that some years ago it was tactfully suggested that HM should sit for a new official portrait since the last one (that was on all the money etc.) was from the 1950's, to which she readily agreed. As it happened when she met the artist commissioned to do the portrait he laid it on a bit thick with the compliments about how well she had aged etc. At the conclusion he said all she need to do was sit and smile. Without missing a beat The Queen replied "with teeth or without?"
The answer is obvious. There are very few more toothless beings than a Windsor monarch.
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