Revisiting Queen Elizabeth’s journey: The longest serving UK monarch

Revisiting Queen Elizabeth’s journey

Queen Elizabeth will overtake her great-great-randmother’s record of 63 years and 216 days on September 9, a remarkable reign that began in 1952 as Britain rebuilt after World War II.

Revisiting Queen Elizabeth’s journey

Queen Elizabeth will overtake her great-great-randmother’s record of 63 years and 216 days on September 9, a remarkable reign that began in 1952 as Britain rebuilt after World War II.

Revisiting Queen Elizabeth’s journey

Yet the young princess, who became queen in 1837 shortly after turning 18, lent her name to an age of invention and discovery, as well as a moralistic outlook on life.

Revisiting Queen Elizabeth’s journey

The Victorian Era was a time when Britain was at its zenith, making grand industrial, scientific, cultural and imperial advances.

Revisiting Queen Elizabeth’s journey

The roots of 89-year-old Queen Elizabeth’s duty-driven style of monarchy lie with her illustrious ancestor.

Revisiting Queen Elizabeth’s journey

The only child of prince Edward, the fourth son of king George III, Victoria was born fifth in the line of succession.

Revisiting Queen Elizabeth’s journey

But the late Edward’s elder brothers, including George’s successors George IV and William IV, all died without surviving legitimate children, leaving Victoria to inherit the throne. On becoming queen, she was mentored by prime minister Viscount Melbou

Revisiting Queen Elizabeth’s journey

She married her German first cousin prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in 1840 and was besotted with him. She survived the first of several assassination attempts later that year.