The Queen becomes Britain’s longest reigning monarch today beating her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria’s record of 63 years and 216 days on the throne.
Palace aides say the 89 year-old didn’t want to make a fuss so she will continue business as usual, but crowds and a flotilla of boats marked the occasion.
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 said the title was “not one to which I have ever aspired”.
At about 17:30 BST the Queen will have reigned for 23,226 days, 16 hours and approximately 30 minutes – 63 years and seven months.
David Cameron said the service she had given was “truly humbling”.
Dressed in turquoise with her trusty black handbag at her side, the Queen spoke briefly to the gathered crowds on the day she passes the record set by her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria.
“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.
Congratulations to Her Majesty
