God Save the Queen!
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II has broken longevity records left and right. On February 6th, 2017 she became the first British sovereign to usher in 65 years on the throne (known as the Sapphire Jubilee). This year Elizabeth will mark 70 years as monarch. People all over the world will celebrate this historic milestone with Platinum Jubilee parties.
Records the Queen has shattered:
- On September 9, 2015, she became Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, a position held previously by her great-great grandmother, Queen Victoria.
- Elizabeth was the oldest British monarch.
- Elizabeth became the longest reigning monarch in the world after the death of Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej. He died in October 2016 after a reign of 70 years.
- Her Majesty would’ve become the longest-living monarch if she outlived Louis XIV of France, who reigned just over 72 years.
- In 2017, Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh celebrated 70 years of marriage, the longest British royal marriage. It should be noted that the Duke, a.k.a. Prince Philip, was the longest-living and longest-serving British consort.
- The Queen has visited 116 countries in her time as monarch, more than any other British sovereign – thanks, modern aviation!
