Queen reigns supreme, surpasses Victoria
LONDON — The Queen reached a major milestone today by becoming the longest-reigning monarch in Britain’s history.
She passes Queen Victoria, her great-great-grandmother, who was on the throne for 63 years and seven months.
Prime Minister David Cameron said today that millions of Britons are celebrating the Queen’s “historic moment.”
“Over the last 63 years, Her Majesty has been a rock of stability in a world of constant change, and her selfless sense of service and duty has earned admiration not only in Britain, but right across the globe,” Cameron said.
“It is only right that today we should celebrate her extraordinary record, as well as the grace and dignity with which she serves our country.”
Buckingham Palace marked the event by releasing an official photograph of the Queen taken by Mary McCartney, a photographer who is the daughter of former Beatle Paul McCartney.
Elizabeth came to the throne in 1952 upon the death of her father, King George VI. She was touring a remote part of Kenya when news of her father’s death arrived.
Her official coronation came the following year and was one of the first major public events to be televised in Britain.
The 89-year-old monarch has cut back on her international travel and has lightened her workload somewhat, but she still carries out many royal duties.
The City of Victoria will host a noon celebration today on the front steps of city hall, with a proclamation from the town crier and the raising of the Monarchist League of Canada’s flag.
Also at noon, O Canada and God Save the Queen will be played by the Royal B.C. Museum carillon, and the bells will be rung at Christ Church Cathedral.
The District of Oak Bay is putting on a noon gathering today, as well, on the lawn at municipal hall. Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon will attend.
Various other events are being held throughout the capital region.