Queen Elizabeth Officially Becomes the World's Second-Longest Reigning Monarch
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Tim Rooke/Shutterstock Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth has added another milestone to her record-breaking royal record.
As of Monday, the 96-year-old ruler is the second-longest reigning monarch in world history. Since her coronation on June 2, 1953, the Queen has served the U.K. and the Commonwealth for 70 years and 127 days. She rose to the new rank after surpassing King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, who was crowned in 1946. He reigned for 70 years and 126 days, before his death in 2016.
Six weeks ago, she ascended in the royal record books after passing Johann II of Liechtenstein, who ruled for 70 years and 91 days before he died in 2016.
The Queen now follows King Louis XIV of France, who ruled for 72 years and 110 days — the longest reign known for any world sovereign. The Sun King assumed the throne at age 4 in 1643 and ruled during the golden age of arts and culture in France.
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Queen Elizabeth celebrated her historic Platinum Jubilee earlier this month with an epic four-day weekend of celebrations. Festivities included the traditional Trooping the Colour, a Service of Thanksgiving and the Platinum Party at the Palace concert, and wrapped with the bang of the Platinum Jubilee pageant.
Patrick AVENTURIER/Gamma-Rapho via Getty; DeAgostini/Getty
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Releasing a heartfelt statement in honor of the occasion, the monarch thanked the public for their steadfast support.
“I have been humbled and deeply touched that so many people have taken to the streets to celebrate my Platinum Jubilee.”
As the #PlatinumJubilee weekend draws to a close, Her Majesty has sent a thank you message to all those who have marked her 70 years as Queen. pic.twitter.com/eoZTcrTr6C— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) June 5, 2022
"When it comes to how to mark 70 years as your Queen, there is no guidebook to follow. It really is a first," the Queen began. "But I have been humbled and deeply touched that so many people have taken to the streets to celebrate my Platinum Jubilee."
"While I may not have attended every event in person, my heart has been with you all; and I remain committed to serving you to the best of my ability, supported by my family," she continued.
Cecil Beaton/Victoria & Albert Museum Queen Elizabeth in her coronation portrait by Cecil Beaton
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"I have been inspired by the kindness, joy and kinship that has been so evident in recent days, and I hope this renewed sense of togetherness will be felt for many years to come," Queen Elizabeth wrote. "I thank you most sincerely for your good wishes and for the part you have all played in these happy celebrations."
Samir Hussein/WireImage Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis joined Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles on the Buckingham Palace balcony on June 5.
During the Platinum Jubilee finale on June 5, the monarch made a surprise appearance alongside her heirs on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. She was joined by Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William, Kate Middleton and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis in a special moment representing the future of the monarchy.
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The national anthem, "God Save the Queen," played as the family sang along. Red, white and blue fireworks went off as George looked up at his great-granny, and she looked back at him fondly.
