Queen Elizabeth II becomes longest reigning monarch in Britain after 63 years on the throne
Her majesty surpasses the record held by Queen Victoria
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Queen Elizabeth II has made history by becoming the longest reigning monarch in Britain.
Her Majesty surpasses the 63 years, seven months, two days, 16 hours and 23 minutes that her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria spent on the throne.
Her Majesty, 89, somewhat reluctantly recognised this milestone on Wednesday by thanking the public for their best wishes as she opened a railway line in Scotland. She otherwise refused to celebrate the occasion, believing it to signify nothing more than the death of her father, George VI, who died on 6 February 1952.
"Many ... have also kindly noted another significance attaching to today, although it is not one to which I have ever aspire," she 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 and great kindness."
Her own refusal to mark the occasion contrasted heavily to the tributes paid by politicians and leaders, the festivities held in her honour and the attention paid to her 63 years on the throne.
Her Majesty’s reign proved a divisive topic, with republicans criticising the cost of the Royal Family and the estimated £340 million worth she has amassed during her life.
But in London, the royal barge Gloriana led a flotilla of boats down the River Thames and past a four-gun salute from the battleship HMS Belfast, while bells were rung in Westminster Abbey.
Additional reporting by PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments