The diamond jubilee
Stuff reports:
The queen is now the second longest-serving monarch in British history after Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901.
During Elizabeth’s reign there have been 12 British prime ministers, 12 US presidents and six popes.
I believe NZ should become a republic, but I am also a big fan of QEII whose devotion to duty is without peer.
Incidentally she has had 14 New Zealand Prime Ministers, and by coincidence she has also had 14 Governor-Generals represent her.
Some facts from the diamond jubilee website:
- Only Queen Victoria has served for longer – 63 years. It seems likely that record will be broken in 2015.
- The Queen is the 40th monarch since William the Conqueror.
- Both Tony Blair and David Cameron were born after the Queen ascended to the throne, and hence have had no other Sovereign.