The Queen: A constant amid gale-force changes
Posted: 08 Sep 2015, 07:55
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Steadfast. Constant. Dutiful.
These are the words which are used most frequently to describe Queen Elizabeth II, monarch and head of state of the United Kingdom and of her "other realms and territories".
Few, I think, would disagree with these characterisations of a widely respected sovereign whose reign has entered the record books.
She is already the oldest monarch in British history. That milestone was passed on 20 December 2007 when she overtook the record set by her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria, whose reign ended with her death in 1901 at the age of 81 years and 243 days.
Now, on 9 September 2015, Elizabeth II will outstrip the length of Victoria's reign and - after 63 years and 216 days on the throne - she will become the longest-reigning king or queen in the 1,000 and more years of the monarchy in Britain.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34172529