Queen Elizabeth II, 96, on Monday became the second longest-serving monarch in history. She has been in this position for 70 years and 127 days, one longer than the period of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who led Thailand from 1946 to 2016, when he died, aged 88.
The British is second only to King Louis XIV of France, who remained on the throne for 72 years and 110 days, from 1643 to 1715. The difference is that the absolutist leader became king at the age of four and only actually took control of the kingdom in 1661, when she was 23. Elizabeth II, meanwhile, was 25 when she received the title.
In 1952, the United Kingdom was still emerging from the devastation of the Second World War, and Winston Churchill was prime minister – the queen has accompanied 14 prime ministers since coming to the throne.
According to Guinness Book of Records, she is also the oldest queen in the post and the oldest British monarch of all time. Earlier this month, Elizabeth II celebrated the Platinum Jubilee, a series of events in honor of the 70th anniversary of her reign, although health problems hampered her participation. She greeted the population only at the beginning and end of the four days of festivities.
The queen has attended most of the events honoring her at Windsor Castle. Claiming mobility discomforts, she was represented by her relatives, especially the heirs Charles and William, as well as Princess Anne. The son Charles, 73, is slowly taking over the public duties of his mother, who was hospitalized for examinations last year.
The heir, like Elizabeth, enjoys popularity, but at much lower rates. Charles has around 50% favorable opinions among Britons, according to a recent YouGov poll, while Elizabeth has 75%. Only 32% think he will be a good king.
