The Queen has thanked people around the world for their ‘messages of great kindness’ as she quietly marks the moment at which she became the longest-reigning British monarch in more than 1000 years.
The Queen made plain that she wanted ‘no fuss’ around the occasion, since it was made possible only because her father, King George VI, died aged prematurely, at 56.
The Guardian quotes a Buckingham Palace aide: “While she acknowledges it as an historic moment, it’s also for her not a moment she would personally celebrate, which is why she has been keen to convey business as usual and no fuss.”
The Queen attended the opening of the Scottish Borders Railway station, where video was taken of her speech thanking people for their kindness.
Following the ceremony, the Queen retired to Balmoral Castle.
Elizabeth became queen at the age of 25. In an evening address following her Coronation in June 1953, she said: “I have in sincerity pledged myself to your service, as so many of you are pledged to mine. Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust.”
She has reigned over 12 British prime ministers, from Churchill to Cameron, including one woman, Margaret Thatcher.
She gave birth to four children, one of whom – Charles – produced two direct heirs, who have so far produced two more.
There have been difficult moments (the death of Diana) and playful moments (when the Queen played the Queen in a skit for the London Olympics) but in her long reign, Elizabeth II has mainly become a symbol of both duty, and stability.
For years, the British – and many Australians – have literally prayed: “Long may she reign.” She delivered in spades, reigning long and now longer still.
IN PICTURES: We take a look back Queen Elizabeth: Proud mother and loving grandmother
The Queen’s new portrait taken by Paul McCartney’s daughter, Mary McCartney.
Princess Elizabeth with her one-month-old son, Charles. Despite being a new mother, the Princess had to carry out an impressive rota of official engagements to support her father, King George VI. Philip was still rising in the naval ranks, so at home the couple received welcome help from nannies.
A barefoot Prince Charles poses with his mother for his official christening portrait, in December 1948. In a private ceremony held in the Music Room in Buckingham Palace and officiated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Geoffrey Fisher, the baby Prince was christened in the royal robe worn previously by all of Queen Victoria’s children and was initiated into the faith of the Church of England.
An enchanted Elizabeth gives son Charles an early taste of vintage motoring, which would become a future passion of his, in the grounds of Balmoral Castle, Scotland, in 1952.
In this stunning portrait, baby Princess Anne is seen as the new recipient of the precious coral and pearl necklace that belonged to her mother as a baby, as she smiles in the arms of her very happy mother.
An idyllic picture of young parenthood shows a relaxed Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh cherishing childhood moments with Charles and baby Anne on a summer picnic in the grounds of Balmoral Castle, in 1951.
Longest ruling monarch
Queen Elizabeth back at Balmoral with Prince Charles and Princess Anne, in 1952.
In between official duties, Queen Elizabeth II spends some precious time playing with her children, Charles and Anne, on a break at Balmoral, in September 1952, during the interim period between her accession and her coronation the following year.
Prince Charles and Princess Anne at their mother’s coronation.
Prince Andrew, in the arms of his mother, in a touching photograph taken by Cecil Beaton when Andrew was just one month old. This portrait represented a significant change in style, moving away from the formal regal shot to show a more intimate and accessible side to Her Majesty.
Princess Anne, the Queen, Prince Charles and Prince Philip gather around baby Prince Andrew for his official christening portrait in April 1960. Andrew was the first child to be born to a reigning monarch in 103 years.
The royal family in 1965, strolling in the verdant gardens of Buckingham Palace (left to right), Prince Philip, Prince Andrew, Prince Charles, the Queen and Princess Anne. Prince Edward – the latest addition to the family – is sitting in the pram
Queen Elizabeth II with the newly christened Prince Edward and a four-year-old Prince Andrew, in the new-style, relaxed Cecil Beaton portrait.
The Queen with the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Edward in the grounds of Windsor Castle, in April 1976. The Queen is wearing The Duchess of Cambridge pendant brooch, which belonged to Queen Mary’s grandmother, Princess Augusta of Hesse, and features a glorious baroque pearl.
Smiles all round for Her Majesty the Queen with Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, photographed in their library in 1987 with grandchildren (from left) Prince William, Prince Harry, Peter Phillips (at back) and Zara Phillips.
The royal family comes together to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II and husband Prince Philip’s diamond wedding anniversary in 2007.
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