96-year-old Queen Elizabeth II becomes the second-longest reigning monarch in the world
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Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is now the world's second-longest reigning monarch in history. She overtook Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Sunday.
The 96-year-old Queen has been on the throne since June 2, 1953. The UK is celebrating her Platinum Jubilee to mark 70 years of service with grand events taking place last weekend. In 2015, she set another record by becoming the longest-serving British monarch. She surpassed the reign of her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria.
The celebration involved four days of royal parades, street parties, and pageantry. Several other events were held across the UK and the Commonwealth.
Queen Elizabeth thanked the nation in a letter saying she had been "humbled and deeply touched that so many people have taken to the streets to celebrate my Platinum Jubilee". She added that the celebrations "renewed a sense of togetherness that will be felt for many years to come". The monarch said there is no guidebook to follow when it comes to marking 70 years of reign. "It really is a first".
Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej reigned for 70 years and 126 days between 1927 and 2016. The British monarch is now only behind France's Louis XIV who reigned for 72 years and 110 days (1643-1715). It is not unreasonable to anticipate Queen Elizabeth overtaking the French king and becoming the longest-reigning monarch in recorded history.
The Queen could not attend some of the events due to age-related mobility issues. She appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace at the end of the Jubilee Pageant.
Her grandson William and Kate's youngest son Prince Louis, four years old, has become a sensation due to his ecstatic and playful displays during the celebrations. The Duke of Cambridge, second in line for the crown, is turning 40 next week. He will be moving his family from London to Berkshire.
Prince George (8) and Princess Charlotte (7) are set to enroll at a school near Windsor, the permanent home of the Queen since the pandemic. The future king and queen are moving into a house on the monarch's Windsor estate this summer. It is a sign of gradual transition as the next generation is lined up for succession.