It has been 68 years since Her Majesty acceded to the throne.
It has been 68 years since Her Majesty acceded to the throne. She is the longest-reigning monarch in British history, having been Queen for 68 years.
On 6 February 1952, King George VI died peacefully in his sleep at Sandringham House. As the news of the King's death spread, all cinemas and theatres closed, and BBC programmes were cancelled except for news bulletins and essential shipping forecasts. Flags in every town were at half-mast, and sports fixtures were cancelled.
Princess Elizabeth immediately acceded to the throne, becoming Queen Elizabeth II and taking on all of the responsibilities which came with her new title.
I got a little emotional today just thinking about what a remarkable accomplishment this is, and what a gift the monarchy is not just to the United Kingdom, but to the world.
God bless Her Majesty and God save the Commonwealth. 🇬🇧
```This portrait of Queen Elizabeth II wearing her State dress and robe, and standing on the Cosmati pavement in the Abbey, is by the Australian artist Ralph Heimans. It was given to the Abbey in 2013, 60 years after the Queen's coronation in 1953.
The painting is on display in The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries alongside other objects and items related to royalty and coronations.
