Queen, 96, World’s 3rd Longest-serving Monarch
The royal surpassed Johann II of Liechtenstein who died in October 2016
Is on course to become world’s second longestreigning monarch in 34 days
The Queen has reached a new milestone this week, after becoming the world’s third longest reigning monarch.
Queen Elizabeth II, 96, surpassed Johan II of Liechtenstein, who reigned for 70 years and 91 days, until his death in February 1929, with her stint on the throne now standing at 70 years and 92 days.
And in just 34 days’ time, she will surpass King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, who regined from 1946 until his death in October 2016, racking up 70 years, 126 days on the throne.
He was the world’s longest- living reigning monarch before the Queen when he died aged 70.
It comes as Her Majesty prepares to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee, after reaching the milestone on 6th February this year, with a weekend of festivities next month.
The record joins the Queen’s many other accolades - including her title as the longest-living reigning monarch.
Her Majesty became the longestreigning British monarch in September 2015, surpassing her great-great grandmother Queen Victoria.
She officially became the longest-reigning British monarch in September 2015
Pulled out of State Opening
Meanwhile on Monday night, the Queen was forced to pull out of yesterday’s Britain’s Opening of Parliament for the first time in 59 years because of her increasing mobility issues.
Prince Charles was expected to read her speech for the first time, accompanied by Prince William, who has never attended before..
The Sovereign’s Throne in the House of Lords would remain symbolically empty, with the monarch watching proceedings on television at Windsor.
Questions would inevitably be asked about whether the increasingly frail 96-year-old monarch will ever be seen in the Palace of Westminster again.