SUPPORT OUR JOURNALISM: Please consider donating to keep our website running and free for all - thank you!

Queen Elizabeth II

The new landmark in the Queen’s historic reign

The Queen has famously said that ‘inevitably a long life can pass many milestones’ and now she has achieved another of her own. Elizabeth II has just become the fourth longest reigning monarch in recorded history.

The Queen’s reign has now overtaken that of Pacal I, ruler of the Maya city state of Palenque, who held power for 68 years and 33 days in the 7th century. Elizabeth II passed that milestone on March 11th 2020.

It’s the second time the Queen has moved up the list of record breaking rules this year. Earlier in 2020, her reign overtook that of Franz Joseph I, Austro-Hungarian Emperor, whose tenure lasted 67 years and 355 days.

She is set to become the third longest reigning monarch in recorded history in 2022. Currently, it’s Johan II of Liechtenstein, who ruled for 70 years and 91 days. Second on the list is King Rama IX of Thailand whose reign spanned 70 years and 126 days.

The longest verified reign in history is that of King Louis XIV of France who took the throne on May 14th 1643, at the age of four, and held it until his death on September 1st 1715, a total of 72 years and 110 days. The Queen will overtake that in 2024.

Elizabeth II ascended the throne on February 6th 1952 at the age of 25. She became the longest reigning monarch in British history on September 9th 2015 and she is also the country’s longest lived monarch.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.