The Platinum Jubilee celebrations over the bank holiday weekend commemorate the Queen’s 70-year reign, making her the longest-reigning queen of all time. During the seven-decade period, she has done some extraordinary things and has even broken a few world records.
At 70 years on the throne, the Queen is the longest-serving British monarch. Since 2015 she beat Queen Victoria's record.
The Queen who turned 96 years old in April of this year has flown past the UK state pension age of 66 years old and apparently has no plans to retire. No doubt there will be more records she will break; in the meantime, here is a list of all the world records held by the Queen.
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Queen Elizabeth II is the longest-reigning queen
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born on April, 21, 1926. Owing to her uncle King Edward VIII’s abdication in 1936, leading to his younger brother being crowned King George VI, 10-year-old Elizabeth was suddenly the heir presumptive.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II succeeded her father at the age of 25, following his death on February, 6, 1952.
Queen Elizabeth II broke her great, great grandmother Queen Victoria's record as longest-reigning monarch in 2015. Queen Victoria had reigned for 63 years and 216 days, from June 20, 1837 to January 22, 1901. Queen Elizabeth II's reign has surpassed Queen Victoria's reign by over seven years and will undoubtedly grow longer.
Queen Elizabeth II is the oldest Queen and monarch
Queen Elizabeth II’s 96 years of age makes her the oldest reigning queen and the oldest British monarch ever. Queen Elizabeth II beat the previous record, which was held by Queen Victoria, who lived to be 81 years, 244 days old.
The Queen is also the oldest current monarch, a record previously held by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud who died aged 90 in 2015.
Queen Elizabeth II is the wealthiest Queen
This year’s Sunday Times Rich List estimated the net worth of Queen Elizabeth II to be £370 million. Her wealth has increased mainly due to the £10 million estate left by her late husband Prince Philip, who passed away in 2021.
The richest monarch overall is the ruler of Thailand, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who has an estimated personal wealth of at least £22 billion.
Most Summer Olympic Games opened by an individual
Queen Elizabeth II is the only person who has officially opened the Summer Olympic Games more than once. She opened the Montreal Games in 1976 and 36 years later opened the London Olympics in 2012.
Queen Elizabeth II could very well break her own record if she opens the Brisbane Games at the 2032 Olympics - if she's still the queen in 10 years' time.
