Who were the longest living British monarchs? What to know after Queen Elizabeth’s death

The reign of Queen Elizabeth II spanned several generations, making her the longest reigning monarch in the history of England.

Before her death on Thursday, Sept. 8, Queen Elizabeth held her title for 70 years and 214 days. She ascended to the throne on Feb. 6, 1952, when she was 25 years old.

In 2015, she surpassed her great-great grandmother Queen Victoria to become the longest reigning British monarch. Queen Victoria reigned for 63 years until her death in 1901.

Before that, you have to go back 90 years to the death of King George III. He reigned over England for 59 years, making him the longest reigning king.

Other British monarchs with reigns of a half-century were Henry III (56 years until 1216) and Edward III (50 years and 4 months until 1327).

Earlier this year, Elizabeth II became the second-longest reigning monarch in world history. Only France’s King Louis XIV, who held his title for 72 years and 110 days, reigned longer, according to CBS News.

But which British monarch lived the longest?

That would, again, be Queen Elizabeth II. She was 96 years old and 140 days when she died on Sept. 8. Queen Victoria and King George III were both 81 years old when they died, and Edward VIII was 77 years old.

Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, became the King of England after his mother died Thursday. At 73 years old, he is already be one of the oldest monarchs in the history of England.

What happens after the Queen’s death? What to know about the line to the British throne

‘A day of great loss.’ World reacts to death of Queen Elizabeth II