At 5pm the Queen became the oldest ever British monarch, overtaking Queen Victoria who lived to be for years, seven months and 29 days.

The Queen has reigned for 55 years, making her the fifth longest reigning monarch in Great Britain. Her reign is surpassed by Henry III (56 years), James VI of Scotland and I of England (almost 58 years), George III (59 years) and of course Victoria (63 years). Given the longevity of her mother there is a good chance that she will beat Victoria’s record. If she lives to 98 years she will become Europe’s longest serving monarch, beating Louis XIV 72 year reign. She is very unlikely to beat Pharaoh Pepi II who clocked up (a disputed) 94 years on the Egyptian throne