Queen Elizabeth Is The World's Fourth Longest Reigning Monarch

Apr 20, 2021 by apost team

On Feb. 6 of this year, Queen Elizabeth II added another year to her reign as Queen of the United Kingdom and 15 Commonwealth realms, making her the ruling monarch for 69 years and counting. Just last year, when she hit 68 years, she surpassed the 7th-century Mayan ruler Pakal the Great to become the fourth longest-serving monarch. She's only bested by three other rulers including Louis XIV of France, Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, and Johann II of Liechtenstein. The longest reign stands at 72 years and 110 days, with many believing the Queen could make it to the top spot.

But that's not the only title she holds — she's already the longest-reigning British monarch, a feat she achieved in Sep. 2015. In fact, she's got titles aplenty — the longest-lived British monarch, the longest-reigning current monarch, and the world's longest-serving female head of state in history, among others. Queen Elizabeth II is truly an incredible woman and at 95 years old, it really looks like there's no stopping her.

Sadly, just shy of her 95th birthday she lost her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip. The couple was well-loved and even their seven-decade-long marriage held a title of its own — the longest marriage in the British monarchy! They took the top spot after their 70th wedding anniversary in 2017, while the last one they celebrated was their 73rd in Nov. 2020. Their blissful marriage stood the test of time and there's no denying that the Queen already misses her late husband dearly.

Queen Elizabeth II is an extraordinary woman who's achieved a lot in her 95 years. Of those years, she's been the Queen of the United Kingdom and 15 Commonwealth realms for over 69 years, which is an incredible feat. Furthermore, her lengthy reign has earned her a score of titles, including the fourth longest-reigning monarch in human history. She took the spot in 2020 after making it to her 68th year as Queen. 

At the top of the list is French King Louis XIV, followed by Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, and in third place, Johann II of Liechtenstein. Interestingly, all of them are quite close in the duration of their reigns — King Louis XIV held his post for 72 years and 110 days, Bhumibol Adulyadej served for 70 years and 126 days, and Johann II reigned for 70 years, 91 days. Considering Queen Elizabeth II is at 69 years, 70 days and counting, there's actually a fair chance she might beat all of them to the top.

But even if she doesn't, she has a whole host of titles to her name. These include the longest-reigning and longest-lived British monarch, the longest-serving female head of state in history, and the world's longest-reigning current monarch, oldest living monarch, and the longest-serving and oldest current head of state. When Queen Elizabeth II became the longest-reigning British monarch in Sep. 2015, it was actually her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria who she overtook. Her Majesty has certainly had an impressive reign and despite losing her husband Prince Philip recently, she doesn't look to be slowing down anytime soon.

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Her early life before she became the Queen is just as fascinating as the long time she's held the throne, and in fact, she wasn't always destined to become the ruling monarch. The Queen was born Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary on April 21, 1926, and is the eldest daughter of King George VI and Elizabeth, Duchess of York. At birth, she was not first in the line of succession, but after her uncle abdicated the throne and her father became King, she became next in line. Currently, her son Prince Charles is next in line for the throne, followed by his firstborn, the Queen’s grandson Prince William, and then his firstborn, the Queen’s great-grandson Prince George.

As a little girl, the Queen was affectionately addressed as “Lillibet,” by her loved ones, and this nickname would later mean so much to the Queen upon the passing of her beloved husband, Prince Philip. After her father King George VI died in Feb. 1952, Elizabeth was crowned Queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth at just 27 years old on June 2, 1953.

She has then gone by several names when she became Queen: Her Majesty, Elizabeth II, or simply the Queen. But according to Town & Country, she goes by one other name, Gan-Gan, a name which only her multiple great-grandchildren are allowed to call her. Queen Elizabeth was destined for great things from her birth, but royal life comes with many pressures, including marriage. However, the Queen's story was quite unique, which is what makes her life so fascinating. 

Although Queen Elizabeth is a royal (not to mention the queen), she certainly wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty in her youth. Here Queen Elizabeth is pictured at 20 years old, taking the salute during a march-past of Auxiliary Territorial Service cadets at the Imperial Services College in Windsor, UK. She had joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service, where she trained as a mechanic for six weeks, becoming the first female member of the Royal Family to join the Armed Services as a full-time active member. During the Second World War, young Elizabeth showed a brave face. When a bombing in September of 1940 caused a portion of Buckingham Palace to be severely damaged, the dangers of the war were knocking right at the Royal Family's doorstep. However, Elizabeth did not back down. According to Biography, she said about the wreckage:

"Now I can look the East End in the face."

In terms of her royal love story, Elizabeth met Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark and the two got married on November 20, 1947, in Westminster Abbey. The following year Elizabeth gave birth to Prince Charles, their first child. They have four children in total — Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward. Unlike many royal marriages that are arranged matches, this marriage was based entirely on love. This particular aspect of their love story is one that makes their marriage not only uncommon but a royal romance for the ages that has warmed hearts across the world, which is what makes it especially sad now that Prince Philip has passed away.  

The Queen and Prince Philip's 73-year-marriage and love story of a lifetime is truly an inspiration. The official Royal Family website describes the origins of their story: the two first met when they both attended the wedding of Prince Philip's cousin, Princess Marina of Greece to the Duke of Kent in 1934 when Elizabeth was only 8 years old. Princess Marina of Greece was Prince Phillip’s cousin, and her husband the Duke of Kent was an uncle of Queen Elizabeth’s. That makes Prince Phillip and Queen Elizabeth distant cousins.

If the family line is traced back, the now husband-and-wife can be found to be related through Queen Victoria. She is both Queen Elizabeth’s and Prince Phillip’s great-great-grandmother, reported ThoughtCo.

It might seem a little strange to marry a distant relation. But throughout history, it has been a risk for royal family members to marry commoners, because of the risk of giving up titles and the right to the throne. This is partially due to the Royal Marriages Act of 1772 which prohibits the marriage of nobles and commoners. ThoughtCo stated that it would have been difficult for young Elizabeth to find a partner that wasn't related to her in a distant way.

It worked out well for noble-blooded Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip who ignited their romance early when the Queen was just 13. According to the official biographer of King George VI — the Queen’s father — Sir John Wheeler-Bennett, they fell for each other on the tennis court, as reported by the Daily Mail. 

CNN reports that upon seeing Philip jump over the tennis court nets at the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth in July 1939, Elizabeth said to her governess, Marion Crawford, "How high he can jump!" Elizabeth had until that point in her life led a rather sheltered existence, surrounded mostly by her sister Princess Margaret and her governess. Upon touring the college with her family, she was believed to be instantly dazzled by Philip and her fascination was obvious to those around her. Dickie Mountbatten, Philip's uncle was pleased with this, as he was hoping to encourage marriage between the two. At this point, it wasn't only their age that would be a barrier until they could be together, but the world was on the brink of World War II. Philip, who was studying at the naval college, would soon be off on active service.

They began corresponding with each other and one thing led to another. Only several years after their first meeting did the two wed, just after the Queen turned 21. But first, in order to do so, Phillip had to renounce his Greek royal title and become a naturalized Brit.

They announced their engagement on July 8, 1947, and married a few months later in November. There are rumors that the rest of the royal family were not pleased with Elizabeth’s selection of husband, but she insisted upon her choice, reported Reader's Digest. As a wedding gift, Philip stopped smoking cold turkey because he knew how much Elizabeth despised the habit; her father was a notorious chain-smoker and eventually died of lung cancer.   

The couple fully committed to the marriage and have always provided unwavering support to each other. Gyles Brandreth wrote in his book "Philip & Elizabeth: Portrait of a Marriage:"  

“The Queen wears the crown, but her husband wears the trousers. He is the power behind the throne: steadfast, never-failingly supportive.”

Queen Elizabeth admitted as much in a speech in 1977, saying that Philip has been her strength over the years. 

Prince Philip was an active man who was eager to get involved in royal work. In the beginning, he experienced some prejudice for wanting to carve out a larger role for himself, but his patience and dedication to the Queen gained him respect from the public and governments alike. As his grandson Prince William pointed out, as reported by CNN, "he totally put his personal career aside to support her, and he never takes the limelight.”  

A key part of any marriage is tolerating your partner’s eccentricities and occasional bad moods. In a toast to the Queen at their 50th wedding anniversary, Philip said:

“The main lesson that we have learned is that tolerance is the one essential ingredient of any happy marriage. It may not be quite so important when things are going well, but it is absolutely vital when the going gets difficult.” 

In fact, the Queen doesn't only limit her record-breaking titles to her work, it also carries over to her personal life, specifically, her marriage with Prince Philip. They're actually the longest-married couple in the British monarchy! What's more, Prince Philip was the world's longest-serving consort to a monarch.

Prince Philip truly rose to the challenge of being married to the British monarch and was not only a great husband to Elizabeth but a stellar royal companion who saw his main role as assisting her. The Queen commented on his support in her Diamond Jubilee speech in 2012, where she recognized that while he was "well-known for declining compliments of any kind," he had been a "constant strength and guide" to her. 

While Elizabeth had the responsibility of becoming a queen thrust upon her early on, Philip had to make compromises and sacrifices to support the new queen. Through his actions and devotion towards his wife, Philip became the perfect example of a royal consort and will remain an inspiration for decades to come. Together, they remained each other's steadfast companions and supported one another through devastating times.  

The story of their long-lasting relationship had its obstacles to overcome just like anybody’s would after 73 years of marriage. Looking back over the years, the couple has admitted in public they have no regrets about their decision to marry each other. It was the right thing to do then, and as their everlasting love has demonstrated, it has remained the right thing. 

Sadly, Philip passed away aged 99 this year, mere weeks before Elizabeth's 95th birthday. He was the oldest-ever male member of the British royal family. The queen is said to be heartbroken after losing her “strength and stay.” The enduring love between Elizabeth and Philip will always be one for the ages.    

Did you know the Queen was the fourth longest-reigning monarch? What about her many other incredible record-breaking titles? If you learned something from this article then be sure to pass it on to those you know!