Queen Elizabeth Makes History, becomes UK’s longest ever serving monarch

Today, Queen Elizabeth II becomes UK’s longest serving monarch, overhauling the record set by her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, who reigned for 63 years, seven months and two days. Doyin Adeoye chronicles her early years, reign, and achievements since she became Queen in 1952.
I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we belong.”
These were the words of then Princess Elizabeth on her coronation on June 2, 1953 as she made a solemn promise to her people.
That Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary would someday become queen was unexpected, not until her uncle, Edward VIII, abdicated in order to marry American divorcee, Wallis Simpson. This development, made Elizabeth’s father become King George VI, and she, an heir.
Crowned in front of thousands of guests, where she took the Coronation Oath to serve her people and to maintain the laws of God, she has indeed worked tirelessly to protect the image of the monarchy and her people.
Born in London on April 21, 1926, Queen Elizabeth II assumed the responsibilities of the ruling monarch following the death of King George VI on February 6, 1952. The coronation ceremony which was held at the Westminster Abbey the following year, was the first ever to be televised and was also the first major international event to be broadcast on television.
Reining through over six decades, the Queen, no doubt, has become the world’s most famous monarch ever seen. Having worked with 12 prime ministers, from Winston Churchill to David Cameron, and witnessed over six decades of British history, this, is a feat worth celebrating, as only four other British kings and queens have reigned 50 years or more.
“We are reminded of our past, of the continuity of our national story and the virtues of resilience, ingenuity and tolerance which created it.
“I have been privileged to witness some of that history and, with the support of my family, rededicate myself to the service of our great country and its people now and in the years to come,” she said during the Diamond Jubilee in 2012, which marked 60 years of her reign.
The Prime Minister, David Cameron on Tuesday, described the Queen at the weekly Cabinet meeting as having a “remarkable record” and was “a symbol of Britain’s enduring spirit admired around the world,” Mr Cameron’s official spokeswoman told reporters.
Elizabeth married Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh in 1947, a union which has lasted for almost 70 years. Turning 90 in 2016, Queen Elizabeth II continues to devote her life to public service.

Tribune.