Queen becomes world's second-longest reigning modern monarch
The 96-year-old overtakes Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej but is behind Louis XIV of France, who reigned from 1643 until 1715.
Sunday 12 June 2022 12:44, UK
The Queen has become the world's second-longest reigning modern monarch.
She has overtaken Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who reigned for 70 years and 126 days between 1946 and 2016.
Louis XIV of France remains the longest-reigning monarch, with a 72-year and 110-day reign from 1643 until 1715.
The Queen, crowned in 1953, became the longest-serving British monarch in September 2015, surpassing her great-great grandmother Queen Victoria.
The 96-year-old celebrated her Platinum Jubilee earlier this month, with four days of parades, street parties, and other events held across the UK and the Commonwealth.
Afterwards she thanked the nation in a letter, saying that she had been "humbled and deeply touched", and that "this renewed sense of togetherness will be felt for many years to come".
Mobility problems stopped her from attending many of the events, but she did appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace at the end of the Jubilee Pageant as the extended bank holiday weekend drew to a close.
Read more:
The Queen's journey as a cultural icon
Best pictures of the jubilee from across the UK
In her letter, she said: "When it comes to how to mark 70 years as your Queen, there is no guidebook to follow.
"It really is a first.
"But I have been humbled and deeply touched that so many people have taken to the streets to celebrate my Platinum Jubilee."