Was Queen Elizabeth II the longest-reigning monarch in history?
QUEEN ELIZABETH II's death is the end of an era - and a magnificent reign that spanned seven decades.
Here we look back at the history of the Queen's impressive 70 years on the throne.
Was Queen Elizabeth II the longest-reigning monarch in history?
The late royal, who passed away on Thursday, September 8, 2022, not only captured the nation's hearts - she also made it into the history books.
The Queen became the longest reigning British monarch in February 2022 - beating the previous title holder Queen Victoria by seven years.
On top of this, Queen Elizabeth II was also the longest ruling female monarch in history, meeting with 15 British Prime Ministers during her rule.
The only British monarch to reach 70 years on the throne, Princess Elizabeth ascended on February 6, 1952, at the age of 25, when her father King George VI died.
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George VI had reigned for 15 years, after his brother Edward abdicated in order to marry Wallis Simpson.
Her Majesty celebrated her 70 years Platinum Jubilee milestone with a weekend full of festivities in early June 2022.
The Jubilee extravaganza coincided with her royal birthday and anniversary of her coronation, which took place on June 2, 1953, when she was just 27.
In total the monarch served as Queen for 70 years and 214 days.
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Who was Louis XIV?
French King Louis XIV is the longest reigning monarch in the world, beating The Queen's impressive record by two years.
The length of his reign is due to inheriting the throne when he was just four after his father's death.
He ruled from May 14, 1643, to September 1, 1715, totalling 72 years and 110 days as King of France.
Also known as the Sun King, he believed in the Divine Right of Kings and ruled as an "absolute monarch".
He died at the Palace of Versailles, and was succeeded by his great grandson Louis XV, who was only five at the time.
King Louis XIV was a big patron of the arts and enjoyed ballet in particular.
His reign saw the building of the Canal du Midi, the creation of the Palace and Gardens of Versailles and the founding of the French Academy of Sciences.
Who are the longest-reigning monarchs?
There are very few monarchs who have verifiably reached the 70 year mark, in fact there are only four in history from across the globe.
Here are the top ten longest reigning monarchs globally, with their reign time:
- Louis XIV, France (72 years, 110 days)
- Queen Elizabeth II, United Kingdom (70 years and 214 days)
- Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand (70 years, 126 days)
- Johann II, Liechtenstein (70 years, 91 days)
- K'inich Janaab' Pakal I, Palenque (68 years, 33 days)
- Franz Joseph I, Austria/ Austria-Hungary (67 years, 355 days)
- Ferdinand II, Sicily (65 years, 90 days)
- Victoria, United Kingdom (63 years, 216 days)
- James I, Aragon (62 years, 319 days)
- Hirohito - Emperor Showa, Japan (62 years, 13 days)
There are long reigning monarchs and myths of longevity that are either disputed, disregarded by modern scholars or unverifiable so are not included in this list.
The shortest reign by any monarch is disputed to be Louis XIX Antoine of France, who was forced to abdicate on the same day he claimed the throne - August 2, 1830.
Louis XIX Antoine was never actually proclaimed and his abdication was announced in the same document as his succession.
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He was only referred to as dauphin, which is the French title for heir apparent.
The shortest reigning British monarch is Lady Jane Grey - known as the Nine Day Queen.
All you need to know after Queen Elizabeth II dies aged 96
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