Queen Elizabeth II is now the world’s longest reigning living monarch following the death of Thailand’s King Bhumibol on Thursday.
The King, who was 88-years-old when he died, had been on the throne for 70 years.
Her Majesty The Queen, who now holds the accolade of world’s longest reigning monarch, has been on the throne for almost 63 years.
The Queen’s has broken many records over the years due to her longevity. Last year, she became Britain’s longest ever reigning monarch, overtaking Queen Victoria who was on the throne for 23,226 days.
In 2007, she became the oldest Monarch in British history (a record also taken from Queen Victoria) as well as holding the record as the longest-married Monarch. She is the only British monarch to have celebrated a diamond wedding anniversary, and will in a couple of years time celebrate 70 years of marriage.
At the end of 2015, Her Majesty became the 46th longest-reigning Monarch in world history. Her Platinum Jubilee would take place in 2022 making her the 20th longest-reigning in world history.
The longest reigning monarch in history is Sobhuza II Paramount Chief and later King of Swaziland for 82 years and 254 days.
King Bhumibol was the longest reigning monarch in the world during his lifetime. His health had been poor for quite some time and he had not appeared in public in the last year of his life.
For the last few years the monarch spent most of time in the hospital for various illnesses. Shortly before his death he had undergone an procedure to drain fluids from his spine. Afterwards he was placed on a ventilator and was said to be in an unstable condition.
Following the King’s death it is likely that there will be a long period of mourning, perhaps up to a year.
King Bhumibol was succeeded by his son, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Additional reporting by Moniek Bloks.
As HM ascended the throne on 10 February 1952 she has been Queen for over 64 years.
6th February 1952
Your ill-timed writing that Queen Elizabeth is in receipt of an ‘accolade’ as the longest serving besmirches the memory of King Bhumibol and suggests an unnecessary fact has somehow elevated the Queen. I expect you have just insulted millions of people grieving in Thailand.
Wow, this article is real sensitive to note that the death of King Bhumibol has now boost Queen Elizabeth II’s ranking as the “longest reigning living monarch”. So while the Thais are mourning the death of their well-respected and beloved King, are others suppose to leap in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s latest milestone?!! Have some decency and respect PLEASE!