5 Fun Facts About Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s Longest Reigning Monarch

At 5:30 p.m. BST on Wednesday, Queen Elizabeth II officially became Britain’s longest-reigning monarch. With this new record, her Majesty has been officially on the throne for 63 years and seven months. The Queen and her officials politely requested that there be very little fuss to celebrate the milestone, although she did briefly address the crowd gathered in front of her palace home and indulge a short parade on the Thames.

Business went on as usual for the Queen who officially opened the Scottish Borders Railway with Prince Phillip on the same day, but that doesn’t mean that the world has forgotten her accomplishments. Prime Minister David Cameron specifically singled out the Queen’s longevity.

“Over the last 63 years, Her Majesty has been a rock of stability in a world of constant change and her selfless sense of service and duty has earned admiration not only in Britain, but right across the globe. It is only right that today we should celebrate her extraordinary record, as well as the grace and dignity with which she serves our country.”

Queen Elizabeth II has accomplished much in her 63-year reign. Here are some fun facts about the Queen according to an ABC affiliate in Raleigh, North Carolina, ABC Action News 11, to help us celebrate her momentous day.

1. She’s 89-years-old and still going strong.

She’s cut down on her duties here and there, but she’s still an active member of British parliament, despite her age. She seems to be in excellent health, and there’s a good chance she could continue her reign for several years to come.

2. She’s the first head of state to open two Olympic games in two different countries.

Both the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal and the Summer Olympic games in London in 2012 were opened by her Majesty the Queen of England. She began the ceremonies with a short speech, and even carried the torch for a few steps.

3. She has seen 12 United States presidents and seven popes during her reign.

At her coronation in 1952, Harry Truman was the President of the United States, and Pope Pius XII was the Catholic pope. Twelve presidents and seven popes later, Queen Elizabeth is still going strong.

4. She’s an expert at changing a spark plug.

Apparently, the Queen is the only British monarch who was properly trained on how to change a spark plug in a car. She learned both about driving and basic mechanics when she was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service during World War II.

5. She has owned more than 30 corgis during her time as Queen.

You can scarcely see a photograph of the Queen in public without her entourage of Corgis. Apparently, she’s cared for 30 of those pets since her reign began. Each of them are purebreds and descendants of Susan, her first Corgi given to her as a gift for her 18th birthday.

There’s more to Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest reigning monarch, than meets the eye, according to these five fun facts.

[Image via Bethany Clarke/GettyImages]