Queen Elizabeth II and members of the Royal Family captured in an informal group portrait at the time of the Coronation. 2 June 1953
Exceeding the record of her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria’s reign of 63 years, seven months and two days, Queen Elizabeth II’s reign had lasted precisely seven years longer, at 70 years, seven months and two days.
The longest reigning male British monarch was George III with 59 years and 96 days, while as James VI of Scotland, James mustered 57 years and 246 days.
King Charles III already enters the regnal record books on account of being the longest-serving heir apparent, and on his coronation he will be the oldest British monarch to be crowned (being currently 73 years old). The previous holder of the record of oldest monarch on accession had been King William VI, who come to the throne age 64 in 1830. The youngest monarch to ascend the throne was Mary, Queen of Scots, who ascended the throne of Scotland in 1542 aged just 6 days old.