Today the Queen will become England’s longest reigning monarch, piping former record holder, Queen Victoria, to the post at 5.30 GMT. In a reign that has spanned 63 years and seven months – which amounts to 23, 226 in days and 33, 446, 430 in minutes – the Queen has seen through 12 Prime Ministers, 6 Popes and 30 pet corgis.
Tributes were paid in the House of Commons by Prime Minister, David Cameron, who said, “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.”
PM: I’m sure I speak for my 11 predecessors that meeting the Queen is one of the most enjoyable, inspiring & humbling honours of this office
— UK Prime Minister (@Number10gov) September 9, 2015
In celebration, many people shared archival footage of Elizabeth. Some images showed a more informal and relaxed side of the Monarch.
From our archives: Queen Elizabeth II in Orkney laughing at her husband attempting to drive a minibus #longestreign pic.twitter.com/DJQad6Y9JE
— Orkney Library (@OrkneyLibrary) September 9, 2015
The Queen jokes with S/Lt Prince Charles as a shipmate in #HMSNorfolk tries to keep a straight face. #LongestReign pic.twitter.com/ilc2Hp90z6
— Royal Navy (@RoyalNavy) September 4, 2015
But not everyone was as keen to mark the occasion.
Congratulations on not dying. Now please go away #longestreign
— Captain Mediocrity (@joshyeh) September 9, 2015
Funny ain’t it, in “austerity” Britain populace celebrate length of time someone worth £22.8 Billion has lorded it over them #longestreign
— Martin O’Neill (@DrNostromo) September 9, 2015
And of course, the odd Game of Thrones reference, just for good measure
Well played Elizabeth of House Windsor, mother of corgis, wearer of pastels, keeper of the Iron Throne.#longestreign pic.twitter.com/aMYSU3xNII
— Michael Frost (@michaelfrost6) September 9, 2015
Winter may be coming, but Queen Elizabeth II is still going strong. #LongestReign pic.twitter.com/NBNoSoNkhC
— Jon Snow (@LordSnow) September 9, 2015
