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Queen Elizabeth II officially becomes Britain's longest-serving monarch

By Doug G. Ware
Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II during a March 4, 1983 photocall on the occasion of her hosting President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan for their 31st wedding anniversary aboard the yacht "Britannia." Queen Elizabeth II began her reign on Feb. 6, 1952, at the age of 26. Tuesday, she became the longest-serving monarch in British history. Photo by Michael Jacobs/UPI
1 of 6 | Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II during a March 4, 1983 photocall on the occasion of her hosting President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan for their 31st wedding anniversary aboard the yacht "Britannia." Queen Elizabeth II began her reign on Feb. 6, 1952, at the age of 26. Tuesday, she became the longest-serving monarch in British history. Photo by Michael Jacobs/UPI | License Photo

LONDON, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Britain's Queen Elizabeth II technically became England's longest-serving monarch on Tuesday, surpassing the record mark set by her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, more than a century ago.

Elizabeth II began her reign Feb. 6, 1952, at the age of 26. British officials said she would pass the mark at 5:30 p.m. local time Tuesday -- which would be followed by various commemorations.

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The exact moment of Elizabeth II's coronation in 1952 is unclear because she succeeded King George VI, who died in the early morning hours that day, thus, officials aren't sure at which exact moment she would attain the new record Tuesday.

Prime Minister David Cameron is scheduled lead tributes in the House of Commons and there will be a River Thames salute, BBC News reported. The BT Tower in downtown London will scroll a message reading, "long may she reign."

As of Tuesday, Elizabeth II, 89, has served as Britain's monarch for 63 years and seven months, or 23,226 days.

The Queen is on her annual summer break in Scotland, but BBC News reported she would mark the occasion by conducting official business there.

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Queen Victoria, who held the previous record, reigned between 1837 and 1901.

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