Queen Elizabeth II is now the world’s longest-reigning monarch, following the death of Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej last week.
The Queen has reigned for 64 years since the death of her father on February 6, 1952, and is now the world’s longest reigning monarch living, the BBC reports.
Next on the list of long-serving monarchs is Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei, who too the throne 49 years ago, and Queen Margrethe II, who became Queen of Denmark in 1972.
Last September, Queen Elizabeth, 90, surpassed her great-great grandmother Queen Victoria as the longest-serving monarch in British history.
Bhumibol held the crown in Thailand for 70 years, dying at the age of 88 after ailing health.
See the Queen’s life in pictures here.
Click through to see the life and times of Queen Elizabeth II
Elizabeth was born the first child of her parents, Queen Elizabeth and King George VI.
She was raised in London, with her sister Margaret, and was educated privately.
For the first time in history, a Princess was allowed to serve as a Girl Guide.
The Princess Elizabeth was also a member of the British Armed Forces. She is seen here leading the troops in a ceremony.
Princess Elizabeth was educated in arts, literature, and music by her governess, Marion Crawfield, or “Crawfie”.
After a string of love letters sent back and forth (which is how Prince Philip is rumoured to have won her heart), Elizabeth and her military sweetheart, Prince Philip of Denmark and Greece, became engaged.
Elizabeth and Philip were married on 20 November 1947 at Westminster Abbey. Their wedding took place at the end of the second world war and Elizabeth required ration coupons to buy the material of her dress.
The Queen’s Wedding
Princess Elizabeth gave birth to their first child in 1948, a boy she named Prince Charles.
Soon three other children followed, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.
Elizabeth’s father, George VI, died in 1952 and Elizabeth was crowned Queen a month later.
Queen Elizabeth with her family after her coronation.
Queen Elizabeth meeting Marilyn Monroe.
A portrait of the Queen in 1961.
Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip and Prince Edward in 1971.
A smiling Queen Elizabeth in the rain.
Queen Elizabeth going to visit her new great-grandson, Prince George of Cambridge.
Queen Elizabeth in 2013.
She’s still got that cheeky smile, she’s pictured here earlier in 2015.
Cracking a smile at a royal garden party.
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