Queen Becomes Longest-reigning Monarch - 'A Record She Would Rather Not Have Had'

THE TELEGRAPH: David Cameron will lead the world's tributes to a monarch who has served the Commonwealth through the Cold War, the Space Age and the Internet Age

In her 21st birthday broadcast to the Commonwealth, Princess Elizabeth memorably promised that “my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service”.

She could not have expected as she said those words that the burden of monarchy would fall on her shoulders so soon afterwards, but more than 63 years after she ascended the throne, the Queen has never wavered from that pledge.

On a day of history, of celebration and gratitude as she becomes our longest-reigning monarch, David Cameron will express the thanks of a nation for her "remarkable record" of duty.

In turn, Her Majesty is expected to make a brief reference to her achievement in surpassing her great-great grandmother Queen Victoria when she opens a new railway in the Scottish Borders. Read on and comment » | Gordon Rayner, Chief Reporter | Tuesday, Sepptember 8, 2015


THE DAILY MAIL: DOMINIC SANDBROOK: Let's be frank: The young woman who became Queen in 1952 could not have imagined the Britain of today » | Dominic Sandbrook for The Daily Mail | Wednesday, September 9, 2015