Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II succeeded to the Throne on February 6th, 1952, upon the death of her father King George VI.
The coronation took place more than a year later, on June 2nd, 1953, at Westminster Abbey.
Since then she has ruled for more than six decades, and visited more than 116 countries. The Queen is the most widely travelled head of state in history – despite not having a passport.
Prior to Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch was her great-great grandmother, Queen Victoria.
Born in 1819, she became queen in 1837and reigned for nearly 64 years.
Commentators have often noted similarities between the two long-serving royals.
Both have had memorable reigns, steering the country through times of great change.
However as a constitutional monarch, Elizabeth must remain politically neutral and does not express her personal opinions in public.
Britain made its transition to a constitutional monarchy –which separates the Head of State’s ceremonial and official duties from party politics – during Queen Victoria’s reign.
(Courtesy Agence France Presse)