Royal watchers know what today is.
Today, Elizabeth II, Dei Gratia Magnae Britanniae, Hiberniae et terrarum transmarinarum quae in ditione sunt Britannica Regina, Fidei Defensor (Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, Ireland and the British Dominions beyond the Seas Queen, Defender of the Faith) becomes the longest reigning monarch in the history of the various kingdoms of the British Isles, surpassing her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria.
Her Majesty has been doing this job for 63 years, 216 days (and counting), which is a hella long time for any job. The crazy thing is, she’s still not among the longest-ruling monarchs worldwide. Not by a long shot.
In recent years, various other European monarchs have retired in favor of the next generation, but not Her Majesty. She just keeps going and going and going.
Just for kicks, here’s a side by side comparison of #1 and #2, plus there’s this one.
So wherever you are today, take a moment to raise your glass / tea cup to this hard working, long reigning Queen.
I heard on the radio this morning that they’re not sure at exactly what time today/tonight she’ll pass the mark to officially be Britain’s longest reigning monarch, because her father died in his sleep so they don’t know the precise time she became queen.
Also, I wonder if Prince Charles being her son has anything to do with her desire to keep going or if she’ll retire once she’s past this milestone.
Everything I’ve read has said that she will never, ever abdicate. It is possible that she will at some point become too infirm to reign, at which point, Charles will act as regent in her absence, but she will still officially be queen.
Long live the Queen!
I think this calls for fish and chips for dinner…
Viva Elizabeth! She is classy and wise and gets the royal job DONE.