She's currently the world's long-reigning monarch. And this year is a landmark one for Queen Elizabeth II because it marks her Platinum Jubilee.
She also turns 96 tomorrow on Thursday, April 21, despite which she recently turned down the accolade of Oldie of the Year from one magazine claiming 'one's only as old an one feels'. Born in 1926, Her Majesty has currently been on the throne for 70 years.
She reached that landmark date on February 6 this year, meaning she beat the previous longest incumbent - namely Queen Victoria - by seven years. It also means she's romping ahead of Lady Jane Grey who, with a reign of just nine days in 1553, is said to have been the most short-lived ruler in this country's history.
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Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne came in 1952, following the death of her father King George VI who, in turn, was unexpectedly crowned king after his elder brother Edward VIII abdicated in 1936. Her coronation would follow at Westminster Abbey on June 2, 1963, a ceremony which was watched by more than 8,000 invited guests.
The Queen also has a second birthday celebration this summer - June 2 - which complies with an annual tradition dating all the way back to the time of King George II. In 1748 he decided that being a November baby meant the British weather probably wouldn't be good enough to host a big public celebration.
So, he decided sometime during the summer months might be more suitable - that way there'd at least be a fighting chance for the sun to be shining. And the same will be hoped for this year as the spectacular Trooping the Colour's mass parade of soldiers, horses and musicians converges once again on London's St James' Park.
