Royal Milestone: Queen Elizabeth II Celebrates 69 Years On The British Throne

Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II

February 6, 2021 marks Her Majesty's 69 years on the British throne. The Queen ascended the throne on February 6, 1952 on the death of her father, King George VI, and was crowned at Westminster Abbey on June 2, 1953.

The second British monarch after King George I to ascend the throne outside Britain, Princess Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh were in Kenya when her father died from coronary thrombosis in Sandringham.

The Queen, who was only 26 at the time of her accession, still actively doing her ceremonial duty today at 94. A devotion to the monarchy she had embraced all her life.

Official portrait

Coronation on June 2, 1953

Next year, she will celebrate her platinum anniversary as British monarch and with this milestone she will unlikely to abdicate.

Portrait of a young Queen

The longest reigning monarch today

At the start of her reign she was quoted saying being Queen is a lifetime commitment of duty that she is prepared to embrace.

The Queen and Prince Philip's young family. Prince Edward seated between his parents. Prince Andrew in pale yellow shirt. Princess Anne and Prince Charles at the back.

The Queen and Prince Philip

At 69 years on the throne, Queen Elizabeth II is by far, the longest reigning monarch in the world today and the longest sitting current head of state.

With this milestone, her husband, Prince Philip is also a prince consort for 69 years, the longest-serving prince consort in British history.

The Queen always credited her husband for the strength he provided, describing him as her rock during the toughest times of her reign. During her Golden Jubilee celebration, she said:

"He is someone who does not take easily to compliments but he has, quite simply, been my main strength and stay all these years. And I owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim or we shall ever know".

Portrait of a young queen

Here's the royal couple down through all these years. Such heartwarming mementos how they have come so far in life. Happy accession anniversary Your Majesty!