Queen Elizabeth II dies at 96, ending 70-year rule as longest reigning British monarch

KATE FELDMAN, Larry McShane

Queen Elizabeth II, Great Britain’s monarch across two millennia and a witness to tumultuous times for the world, her nation and the Royal Family, died Thursday.

She was 96 and held the longest reign of any ruler in British history with 70 years as queen.

“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement. “The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

In this Monday, March 12, 2018 file photo, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II leaves after attending the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in London.
In this Monday, March 12, 2018 file photo, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II leaves after attending the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in London.


In this Monday, March 12, 2018 file photo, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II leaves after attending the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in London. (Kirsty Wigglesworth/)

Elizabeth ascended to the throne at age 25 after the sudden death of her father George VI in February 1952. Sixty-six years later, the Queen attended the wedding of her grandson Prince Harry in May 2018. And earlier this year, the nation celebrated her unprecedented seven decades as monarch.

“My whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong,” Elizabeth promised her fellow Brits shortly before her 21st birthday.

The future Queen made good on her vow, through royal weddings and royal scandals, through the deaths of her sister Margaret and Princess Diana. Members of the royal family were reported at her bedside before the death.

This is a June. 2, 1953 file photo of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, as they wave to supporters from the balcony at Buckingham Palace, following her coronation at Westminster Abbey. London.
This is a June. 2, 1953 file photo of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, as they wave to supporters from the balcony at Buckingham Palace, following her coronation at Westminster Abbey. London.


This is a June. 2, 1953 file photo of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, as they wave to supporters from the balcony at Buckingham Palace, following her coronation at Westminster Abbey. London. (Leslie Priest/)

She celebrated her Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years as reigning monarch, in 2002 — and then her Diamond Jubilee for 60 years a decade later. In 2015, Elizabeth became the longest-serving ruler in her nation’s history. Her Diamond Jubilee, marking 70 years, was celebrated in June.

The record for longevity was “not one to which I have ever aspired,” she said on her 23,227th day as Queen.

In her last years on the throne, Elizabeth was embroiled in family controversy as her son Prince Andrew was implicated in the massive sexual abuse scandal involving predatory businessman Jeffrey Epstein. The prince paid a reported $13.5 million settlement for the alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl procured by Epstein, who later committed suicide in prison.

Britain's Prince Charles, and Queen Elizabeth II appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant outside Buckingham Palace in London June 5, 2022, on the last of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Britain's Prince Charles, and Queen Elizabeth II appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant outside Buckingham Palace in London June 5, 2022, on the last of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.


Britain's Prince Charles, and Queen Elizabeth II appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant outside Buckingham Palace in London June 5, 2022, on the last of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee. (Hannah McKay/)

In a stunning rebuke, she also stripped her son of his military and royal duties. There was also a family falling out with grandson Prince Harry and his American wife Meghan Markle, with the two stepping back two years ago from their roles in the royal family.

The duration of her unprecedented reign were illustrated by the accompanying numbers: She saw 14 American presidents come and go. She answered more than 3.5 million pieces of correspondence. And she owned more than 30 pet Welsh corgis.

Even her dogs achieved a level of fame: A corgi named Holly appeared in the James Bond sketch during the Opening Ceremonies of the London Olympics in 2012.

Elizabeth became the world’s longest-reigning monarch in Oct. 2016 with the death of Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The Queen lost her husband of more than seven decades, Prince Philip, in April 2021, and faced other family problems in recent years.

In this Thursday, June, 16, 2011 file photo, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II with Prince Philip arrive by horse drawn carriage in the parade ring at the of the Royal Ascot horse race meeting at Ascot, England.
In this Thursday, June, 16, 2011 file photo, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II with Prince Philip arrive by horse drawn carriage in the parade ring at the of the Royal Ascot horse race meeting at Ascot, England.


In this Thursday, June, 16, 2011 file photo, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II with Prince Philip arrive by horse drawn carriage in the parade ring at the of the Royal Ascot horse race meeting at Ascot, England. (Alastair Grant/)

There were rumors about her failing health as 2016 drew to a close. Just after Christmas 2016, Buckingham Palace was forced to deny a Twitter hoax reporting the Queen’s death as she battled a heavy cold and missed the annual Christmas Day service in Norfolk for the first time since 1988.

A prerecorded Christmas speech was delivered as planned, with Elizabeth hailing “ordinary people doing extraordinary things.”

The Queen soon recovered and her reign continued into the next decade.

The future queen was born in London on April 21, 1926, the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York — later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. The infant, christened Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, was third in line for the throne at birth. But the odds of her ascension were extremely long, and she was raised away from the spotlight that accompanies the assumption of advancement.

The family welcomed Elizabeth’s sister Margaret in 1930, and the siblings grew up in the tightly-night family of four.

The sisters were home-schooled in mathematics, history, French and the arts, with Elizabeth becoming known by the family nickname “Lilibet.”

Princess Elizabeth the eldest daughter of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, poses for a photo on her 13th birthday, in Windsor Great Park, in England, April 21, 1939.
Princess Elizabeth the eldest daughter of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, poses for a photo on her 13th birthday, in Windsor Great Park, in England, April 21, 1939.


Princess Elizabeth the eldest daughter of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, poses for a photo on her 13th birthday, in Windsor Great Park, in England, April 21, 1939.

But their lives changed dramatically with the 1936 death of her grandfather, King George V. The late king’s eldest son Edward famously abdicated his throne to marry American socialite Wallis Simpson, choosing his heart over the crown.

Simpson, as a divorcee, could not marry into the Royal Family. With Edward’s decision, Elizabeth’s father became King George VI in a 1937 Westminster Abbey coronation.

The gala event was attended by Margaret and older sister Elizabeth — who had instantly become the queen-in-waiting while just a child.

During World War II, the Royal Family was evacuated from Buckingham Palace before their home was targeted by Nazi bombers. The king and queen ignored suggestions of relocating their daughters to Canada, instead keeping the family intact during the London Blitz.

By war’s end, Elizabeth worked as a driver and mechanic with the Women’s Royal Auxiliary Territorial Service.

Elizabeth’s life changed forever when her father passed away after a 15-year reign, catapulting the 25-year-old into the throne while she was on a 1952 trip to Kenya.

She was five years into a marriage with the love of her life, Prince Philip of Greece, and the mother to 4-year-old son Charles — the royal now poised to follow her to the throne.

In this Oct. 21, 1950 file photo, Princess Elizabeth, center, holds her daughter, Princess Anne, in Buckingham Palace, with her mother Elizabeth at right and grandmother Mary at left, after her christening.
In this Oct. 21, 1950 file photo, Princess Elizabeth, center, holds her daughter, Princess Anne, in Buckingham Palace, with her mother Elizabeth at right and grandmother Mary at left, after her christening.


In this Oct. 21, 1950 file photo, Princess Elizabeth, center, holds her daughter, Princess Anne, in Buckingham Palace, with her mother Elizabeth at right and grandmother Mary at left, after her christening.

One night before her official installation as queen, word arrived from Nepal that Sir Edmund Hillary had reached the top of Mt. Everest.

“ALL THIS — AND EVEREST TOO!” read the coronation day headline on page one of the Daily Express. By the time her palace run ended, man had walked on the moon and landed a spacecraft on Mars.

The couple eventually welcomed four children, with Elizabeth raising the quartet in the same low-key style favored by her own mom. She became a permanent presence on the British scene, as undeniable and constant as Big Ben or Winchester Cathedral.

Through the ‘50s and the ‘60s, as Elvis Presley gave way to the Beatles, the Queen remained rock solid. But the times were changing and difficult years loomed ahead as the royals became victims of increasingly intense media attention and steadily decreasing adoration from the typical British citizen.

In May 1977, punk rockers the Sex Pistols released “God Save the Queen” — a scathing three-chord assault on Elizabeth.

“God save the Queen,” sneered singer Johnny Rotten. “She ain’t no human being.”

The Pistols soon imploded. The Queen’s reign continued. That same year, she celebrated her 30th wedding anniversary and 25th anniversary as Great Britain’s monarch.

Turmoil arrived in 1981, when a would-be “assassin” fired six shots from a gun loaded with blanks. It was a harbinger of hard times ahead in the next two decades.

When her son Charles Philip announced his February 1981 engagement to the young and vibrant Lady Diana Spencer, the nation and the world became enthralled with the couple.

Britain's Prince Charles kisses his bride, Lady Diana Spencer, the new Princess of Wales, on the Balcony of Buckingham Palace in London, England on July 29, 1981 after their wedding at St. Paul's Cathedral. Queen Elizabeth II stands at right.
Britain's Prince Charles kisses his bride, Lady Diana Spencer, the new Princess of Wales, on the Balcony of Buckingham Palace in London, England on July 29, 1981 after their wedding at St. Paul's Cathedral. Queen Elizabeth II stands at right.


Britain's Prince Charles kisses his bride, Lady Diana Spencer, the new Princess of Wales, on the Balcony of Buckingham Palace in London, England on July 29, 1981 after their wedding at St. Paul's Cathedral. Queen Elizabeth II stands at right. (POOL/)

The two were wed quickly, with heir-to-the-throne Prince William arriving the next year. Diana, barely 20, became a global icon revered for her style. Their marriage soured into a tabloid disaster that would tarnish Elizabeth’s public persona, with the Queen perceived as distant and out of touch with her daughter-in-law.

The prince and the princess became embroiled in embarrassing public affairs as their union crashed and burned. The whole sordid mess was laid bare by Andrew Morton’s book “Diana: Her True Story.”

The self-destructing marriage turned 1992 “an annus horriblis” around Buckingham Palace, the Queen confessed in her annual Christmas address.The prince and his princess finally divorced in Aug. 1996, their storybook romance left in ashes.

Britain's Prince Charles, right, and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, listen as Queen Elizabeth II delivers the Queen's Speech, during the State Opening of Parliament, at the Palace of Westminster in London, Wednesday, June 4, 2014.
Britain's Prince Charles, right, and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, listen as Queen Elizabeth II delivers the Queen's Speech, during the State Opening of Parliament, at the Palace of Westminster in London, Wednesday, June 4, 2014.


Britain's Prince Charles, right, and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, listen as Queen Elizabeth II delivers the Queen's Speech, during the State Opening of Parliament, at the Palace of Westminster in London, Wednesday, June 4, 2014. (Carl Court/)

Elizabeth’s other son, Prince Andrew, fared little better in his doomed 1986 marriage to Sarah Ferguson — a pairing that collapsed after a decade.

His service as a British Royal Navy helicopter pilot in the 1982 Falklands War offered another bit of angst for the Queens — and more lurked ahead.

When Diana died in an August 1997 Paris car crash, the Queen’s refusal to fly the Union Jack at half-mast led to outrage across the nation.

But the Queen was nothing if not resilient, and she once again bounced back into the hearts of her constituents. For her 50th anniversary in 2002, the lineup of musical talent honoring Elizabeth included rock royalty: Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Brian Wilson.

But 2002 was a sad year, too. Princess Margaret, the Queens’ lone sibling who was often derided as the Royal Family’s black sheep, passed away in February.

The next month, her 101-year-old mother died as well.

From left, Britain's Prince Harry, Prince Andrew, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Prince Andrew and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, wave from the balcony of Buckingham Palace, in London, Sunday July 10, 2005, as part of a day of events marking the end of the Second World War.
From left, Britain's Prince Harry, Prince Andrew, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Prince Andrew and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, wave from the balcony of Buckingham Palace, in London, Sunday July 10, 2005, as part of a day of events marking the end of the Second World War.


From left, Britain's Prince Harry, Prince Andrew, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Prince Andrew and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, wave from the balcony of Buckingham Palace, in London, Sunday July 10, 2005, as part of a day of events marking the end of the Second World War. (Matt Writtle / AP/)

Elizabeth last visited New York in 2011, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and white gloves to lay a wreath at Ground Zero.

One year later, in one of the best and busiest 12 months of her reign, she attended the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Great Britain then united for her 60th anniversary as Queen, and watched as she took part in the Opening Ceremonies of the London Olympics.

The Gold State Coach is seen on The Mall during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant outside Buckingham Palace in London on Sunday, June 5, 2022, on the last of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee. The pageant will be a carnival procession up The Mall featuring giant puppets and celebrities that will depict key moments from Queen Elizabeth II’s seven decades on the throne.
Attendees take pictures of the hologram of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II projected on the Gold State Coach during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant outside Buckingham Palace in London on Sunday, June 5, 2022.
Attendees take pictures of the hologram of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II projected on the Gold State Coach during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant outside Buckingham Palace in London on Sunday, June 5, 2022.
A choir of young children performs during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Sunday, June 5, 2022.
A choir of young children performs during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Sunday, June 5, 2022.
Members of the Household Cavalry march ahead during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant outside Buckingham Palace in London on Sunday, June 5, 2022, on the last of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Members of the Household Cavalry march ahead during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant outside Buckingham Palace in London on Sunday, June 5, 2022, on the last of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
People pose for a photo during a public street party in central London, Sunday, June 5, 2022, on the last of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee. Street parties are set to be held across the country in what is being called The Big Jubilee Lunch.
People pose for a photo during a public street party in central London, Sunday, June 5, 2022, on the last of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee. Street parties are set to be held across the country in what is being called The Big Jubilee Lunch.
Britain's Princess Beatrice, center, and Princess Eugenie attempt to spin plates during the Big Jubilee Lunch organized by Westminster Council for local volunteer and community groups who helped during the Covid-19 pandemic, at Paddington Recreation Ground, London, Sunday, June 5, 2022, on day four of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Britain's Princess Beatrice, center, and Princess Eugenie attempt to spin plates during the Big Jubilee Lunch organized by Westminster Council for local volunteer and community groups who helped during the Covid-19 pandemic, at Paddington Recreation Ground, London, Sunday, June 5, 2022, on day four of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Members of the local community participate in the Big Jubilee Lunch at "The Long Table" on The Long Walk outside Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, Sunday, June 5, 2022, on day four of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Members of the local community participate in the Big Jubilee Lunch at "The Long Table" on The Long Walk outside Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, Sunday, June 5, 2022, on day four of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Lilly the Corgi enjoys the Royal Pooch Party, celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, at the Moxy Manchester City hotel in Manchester, England, Sunday, June 5, 2022.
Lilly the Corgi enjoys the Royal Pooch Party, celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, at the Moxy Manchester City hotel in Manchester, England, Sunday, June 5, 2022.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, as Patron of the Big Lunch, arrives for the Big Jubilee Lunch with tables set up on the pitch at The Oval cricket ground, on the last of four days of celebrations to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee, in London, Sunday, June 5, 2022.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, as Patron of the Big Lunch, arrives for the Big Jubilee Lunch with tables set up on the pitch at The Oval cricket ground, on the last of four days of celebrations to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee, in London, Sunday, June 5, 2022.
Britain's Prince Charles, left, as Patron of the Big Lunch, attends a Big Jubilee Lunch at The Oval, Kennington, in London, Sunday, June 5, 2022.
Britain's Prince Charles, left, as Patron of the Big Lunch, attends a Big Jubilee Lunch at The Oval, Kennington, in London, Sunday, June 5, 2022.
Britain's Prince Charles, right, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall as Patron of the Big Lunch, attend a Big Jubilee Lunch at The Oval, Kennington, in London, Sunday, June 5, 2022, on the last of four days of celebrations to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee.
Britain's Prince Charles, right, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall as Patron of the Big Lunch, attend a Big Jubilee Lunch at The Oval, Kennington, in London, Sunday, June 5, 2022, on the last of four days of celebrations to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee.
Diana Ross performs at the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Diana Ross performs at the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Diana Ross performs at the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Diana Ross performs at the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
The words "Thank You Ma'am" are illuminated over Buckingham Palace during the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
The words "Thank You Ma'am" are illuminated over Buckingham Palace during the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Elton John shown during a recorded performance at the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Elton John shown during a recorded performance at the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Brian May, left, and Adam Lambert from the band Queen perform at the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Brian May, left, and Adam Lambert from the band Queen perform at the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Brian May performs at the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Brian May performs at the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Adam Lambert of the band Queen performs at the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Adam Lambert of the band Queen performs at the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Alicia Keys performs at the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Alicia Keys performs at the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Rod Stewart performs during the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Rod Stewart performs during the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
The crowd watch a film of Queen Elizabeth II having tea with Paddington Bear on a big screen at the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
The crowd watch a film of Queen Elizabeth II having tea with Paddington Bear on a big screen at the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Actors from the musical Phantom of the Opera perform at the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Actors from the musical Phantom of the Opera perform at the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Prince George, right, and Princess Charlotte watch the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Prince George, right, and Princess Charlotte watch the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Duran Duran performs at the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Duran Duran performs at the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Ella Eyre performs at the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Ella Eyre performs at the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
A general view of the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
A general view of the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Mabel performs at the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Mabel performs at the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
From right, Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge attend the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
From right, Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge attend the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Prince George, left, and Prince William watch the Platinum Jubilee concert taking place in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee. The events over a long holiday weekend in the U.K. are meant to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 70 years of service.
Prince George, left, and Prince William watch the Platinum Jubilee concert taking place in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee. The events over a long holiday weekend in the U.K. are meant to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 70 years of service.
Crowds watch the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Crowds watch the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Andrew Lloyd Webber, left, and Lin-Manuel Miranda perform during the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Andrew Lloyd Webber, left, and Lin-Manuel Miranda perform during the Platinum Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on the third of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Britain's Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince William wave during their visit to Cardiff Castle to meet performers and crew involved in the special Platinum Jubilee Celebration Concert taking place in the castle grounds later in the afternoon, Saturday June 4, 2022.
Britain's Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince William wave during their visit to Cardiff Castle to meet performers and crew involved in the special Platinum Jubilee Celebration Concert taking place in the castle grounds later in the afternoon, Saturday June 4, 2022.
A dog wears the Union Jack flag colors on The Mall outside Buckingham Palace in London on Friday, June 3, 2022, on the second of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
A dog wears the Union Jack flag colors on The Mall outside Buckingham Palace in London on Friday, June 3, 2022, on the second of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave after a service of thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II at St Paul's Cathedral in London, Friday, June 3, 2022.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave after a service of thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II at St Paul's Cathedral in London, Friday, June 3, 2022.
Peter Phillips, Prince Harry, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, left, and Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall leave after attending a service of thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II at St Paul’s Cathedral in London Friday, June 3, 2022,
Peter Phillips, Prince Harry, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, left, and Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall leave after attending a service of thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II at St Paul’s Cathedral in London Friday, June 3, 2022,
A general view of a service of thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, Friday, June 3, 2022.
A general view of a service of thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, Friday, June 3, 2022.
(L-R) Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Louis of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Sophie, Countess of Wessex on the balcony of Buckingham Palace watch the RAF flypast during the Trooping the Colour parade on June 02, 2022, in London, England. The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II is being celebrated from June 2 to June 5, 2022, in the UK and Commonwealth to mark the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February 1952.
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, fly in formation during a special flypast over the Buckingham Palace balcony following Trooping The Colour on June 2, 2022, in London, England.
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, fly in formation during a special flypast over the Buckingham Palace balcony following Trooping The Colour on June 2, 2022, in London, England.
Members of the Life Guards, a regiment of the Household Cavalry, take part during Trooping The Colour on June 2, 2022, in London, England.
Members of the Life Guards, a regiment of the Household Cavalry, take part during Trooping The Colour on June 2, 2022, in London, England.
Members of the public walk up The Mall towards Buckingham Palace during the Trooping the Colour parade on June 02, 2022, in London, England. The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II is being celebrated from June 2 to June 5, 2022, in the UK and Commonwealth to mark the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February 1952.
Members of the public walk up The Mall towards Buckingham Palace during the Trooping the Colour parade on June 02, 2022, in London, England. The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II is being celebrated from June 2 to June 5, 2022, in the UK and Commonwealth to mark the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February 1952.
Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte are seen looking out the window during Trooping The Colour on June 2, 2022, in London, England.
Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte are seen looking out the window during Trooping The Colour on June 2, 2022, in London, England.
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, in his role as Colonel of the Welsh Guards, Princess Anne (R), Princess Royal, in her role as Colonel of the Blues and Royals, and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, (L) in his role as Colonel of the Irish Guards, during the Trooping the Colour parade on June 2, 2022, in London, England. Trooping The Colour, also known as The Queen's Birthday Parade, is a military ceremony performed by regiments of the British Army that has taken place since the mid-17th century. It marks the official birthday of the British Sovereign.
Fighter jets from Britain's RAF (Royal Air Force) fly in formation to form the number "70" during a special flypast over the Buckingham Palace balcony following Trooping The Colour on June 2, 2022, in London, England.
Fighter jets from Britain's RAF (Royal Air Force) fly in formation to form the number "70" during a special flypast over the Buckingham Palace balcony following Trooping The Colour on June 2, 2022, in London, England.
Queen Elizabeth II watches from the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Trooping the Colour parade on June 2, 2022, in London, England.
Queen Elizabeth II watches from the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Trooping the Colour parade on June 2, 2022, in London, England.
(L-R) Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Louis of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge watch the RAF flypast on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Trooping the Colour parade on June 02, 2022, in London, England.
(L-R) Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Louis of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge watch the RAF flypast on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Trooping the Colour parade on June 02, 2022, in London, England.
Royal fans Caellia (L) and Yoshilen wear costumes as they arrive at the Mall to celebrate the first day of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II on June 02, 2022, in London, England.
Royal fans Caellia (L) and Yoshilen wear costumes as they arrive at the Mall to celebrate the first day of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II on June 02, 2022, in London, England.
Fighter jets from Britain's RAF (Royal Air Force) fly in formation to form the number "70" during a special flypast over the Buckingham Palace balcony following Trooping The Colour on June 2, 2022, in London, England.
Fighter jets from Britain's RAF (Royal Air Force) fly in formation to form the number "70" during a special flypast over the Buckingham Palace balcony following Trooping The Colour on June 2, 2022, in London, England.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent watch from the balcony at Buckingham Palace for the Trooping the Colour ceremony parade on June 2, 2022, in London, England.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent watch from the balcony at Buckingham Palace for the Trooping the Colour ceremony parade on June 2, 2022, in London, England.
Household Division Foot Guards march during the Trooping the Colour parade on June 02, 2022, in London, England.
Household Division Foot Guards march during the Trooping the Colour parade on June 02, 2022, in London, England.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge, Prince Louis of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge ride in a carriage during the Trooping the Colour parade at Buckingham Palace on June 02, 2022, in London, England. The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II is being celebrated from June 2 to June 5, 2022, in the UK and Commonwealth to mark the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February 1952.
Members of the public fill The Mall ahead of a fly-past over Buckingham Palace during Trooping The Colour on June 2, 2022, in London, England.
Members of the public fill The Mall ahead of a fly-past over Buckingham Palace during Trooping The Colour on June 2, 2022, in London, England.
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, are driven along the Mall towards Buckingham Palace for the Trooping the Colour parade on June 2, 2022, in London, England.
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, are driven along the Mall towards Buckingham Palace for the Trooping the Colour parade on June 2, 2022, in London, England.
Members of the Household Division Foot Guards' bands march back along The Mall towards Buckingham Palace during Trooping The Colour on June 2, 2022, in London, England.
Members of the Household Division Foot Guards' bands march back along The Mall towards Buckingham Palace during Trooping The Colour on June 2, 2022, in London, England.
A Queen Elizabeth II impersonator is interviewed as she walks along The Mall in London on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, ahead of the start of the Queen's Jubilee weekend.
A Queen Elizabeth II impersonator is interviewed as she walks along The Mall in London on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, ahead of the start of the Queen's Jubilee weekend.
Larry the Cat, Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, sits on Downing Street, London, adorned in bunting ahead of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, in London, Wednesday, June 1, 2022.
Larry the Cat, Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, sits on Downing Street, London, adorned in bunting ahead of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, in London, Wednesday, June 1, 2022.
Fans attach flags to the barriers along The Mall in London on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, as they camp out ahead of the start of the Queen's Jubilee weekend. Britain will celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years on the throne with four days of festivities beginning with her ceremonial birthday parade on June 2, 2022. The 96-year-old monarch’s Platinum Jubilee will kick off with a full staging of Trooping the Color.
People walk along The Mall in London on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, ahead of the start of the Queen's Jubilee weekend.
People walk along The Mall in London on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, ahead of the start of the Queen's Jubilee weekend.
Britain's Prince Charles dances with Bridget Tibbs during a Jubilee tea dance hosted by The Prince's Foundation to mark the Platinum Jubilee at Highgrove near Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England, Tuesday, May 31, 2022.
Britain's Prince Charles dances with Bridget Tibbs during a Jubilee tea dance hosted by The Prince's Foundation to mark the Platinum Jubilee at Highgrove near Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England, Tuesday, May 31, 2022.
Traditional cakes and sandwiches on tiered trays are seen during a Jubilee tea dance hosted by The Prince's Foundation to mark the Platinum Jubilee at Highgrove near Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England on Tuesday, May 31, 2022. Prince Charles was joined by Jools Holland, Ruby Turner and Patrick Grant at the celebratory tea dance.
Traditional cakes and sandwiches on tiered trays are seen during a Jubilee tea dance hosted by The Prince's Foundation to mark the Platinum Jubilee at Highgrove near Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England on Tuesday, May 31, 2022. Prince Charles was joined by Jools Holland, Ruby Turner and Patrick Grant at the celebratory tea dance.
People walk past the screen in Piccadilly Circus as it displays a 7-day countdown to the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, featuring two photos of Britain's Queen Elizabeth, in London on Friday, May 27, 2022.
People walk past the screen in Piccadilly Circus as it displays a 7-day countdown to the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, featuring two photos of Britain's Queen Elizabeth, in London on Friday, May 27, 2022.
A team of workers adds the final parts to the Queen's Green Canopy ahead of the Platinum Jubilee in London, Tuesday, May 24, 2022.
A team of workers adds the final parts to the Queen's Green Canopy ahead of the Platinum Jubilee in London, Tuesday, May 24, 2022.
This undated handout photo issued by English Heritage shows images of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II from each decade of her reign projected onto Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England to mark her Platinum Jubilee.
This undated handout photo issued by English Heritage shows images of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II from each decade of her reign projected onto Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England to mark her Platinum Jubilee.
Building work in preparation for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations take place in front of Buckingham Palace in London on Friday, May 6, 2022. Britain's Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne after the death of her father King George VI on Feb. 6, 1952, and the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend celebrations will take place on June 2 to June 5, 2022.
A member of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, right, carries the Commonwealth of Nations' Globe as it arrives at the Tower of London, Thursday, April 14, 2022. The globe will be used in the lighting of the Principal Beacon at Buckingham Palace on June 2 and will be displayed for members of the public in the White Tower at the Tower of London until the Jubilee weekend.

And when she became the longest-reigning monarch in the history of her homeland in 2015, the self-deprecating Elizabeth addressed her supporters at home and abroad.

“Inevitably a long life can pass by many milestones,” she said in a brief address. “My own is no exception. But I thank you all and the many others at home and overseas for your touching messages of great kindness.”

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