DUSHANBE, September 10, 2015, Asia-Plus — Queen Elizabeth II has become longest-reigning UK monarch.
The BBC reports that the Queen has thanked well-wishers at home and overseas for their “touching messages of kindness” as she becomes Britain”s longest-reigning monarch.
Speaking in the Scottish Borders, the 89-year-old monarch, in particular, said the title was “not one to which I have ever aspired.”
On September 9 at 17:30 BST she had reigned for 23,226 days, 16 hours and approximately 30 minutes – surpassing the reign of her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria.
UK Prime Minister David Cameron said the service the Queen had given was “truly humbling.”
The Queen spoke briefly to the gathered crowds earlier. “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,” she said.
The exact moment the Queen became the longest-reigning sovereign is reportedly unknown. Her father, George VI, passed away in the early hours of 6 February 1952, but his time of death is not known.
Business in the Commons was postponed for half an hour so that MPs, led by Mr. Cameron, could pay tribute to the Queen.
The prime minster said she had been a “rock of stability” in an era when so much had changed, and her reign had been the “golden thread running through three post-war generations.”
He said it was “typical of the Queen”s selfless sense of service” that she thought today should be a normal day.
In the House of Lords, leader Baroness Stowell said the Queen had served the country with “unerring grace, dignity and decency”, adding: “And long may she continue to do so.”
When Elizabeth became Queen in 1952, Stalin was still leader of the USSR and Truman President of the US.
Since then Her Majesty has seen many notable statesmen and women come and go, although one current monarch who came to the throne before her is still in place.
Queen Elizabeth”s reign has included 12 prime ministers,
The Queen is Head of the Commonwealth and sovereign of 15 Commonwealth realms in addition to the UK.
