Passing the milestone: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II becomes the longest reigning sovereign in Canada’s modern era

At around 5:30 pm UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) on September 9, 2015, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II became the longest reigning sovereign in Canada’s modern era, surpassing the reign of her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria. At her death on January 22, 1901, Queen Victoria had reigned 23,226 days 16 hours and 23 minutes.

Her Majesty ascended the Throne sometime during the night of January 6, 1952. Sadly, the precise time of the death of her father King George VI is not known because he died in his sleep. However, taking this into account and including leap years in the calculation, Buckingham Palace has indicated that on the evening of September 9, 2015, Her Majesty will have reigned 23,226 days 16 hours and 30 minutes.

Seated people look at items displayed on easels placed on a platform. A portrait of Queen Elizabeth II hangs on a wall in the background.

A commemorative bank note, stamp and coin were unveiled at Rideau Hall on September 9, 2015 in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II becoming the longest-reigning sovereign in Canada's modern era. Credit: MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall © OSGG, 2015

The anniversary of the longest reigning sovereign was marked in Canada by a special event hosted by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, governor general of Canada, on September 9, 2015 at Rideau Hall. A commemorative coin (by the Royal Canadian Mint), a stamp (by Canada Post) and a $20 bank note (by the Bank of Canada) was unveiled on this occasion. The lieutenant governors and Territorial Commissioners also held similar events in their jurisdictions. Activities included web and social media engagement, medal ceremonies, receptions at Government House, commemorative church services, and visits to schools and community centers.

A special edition of the Government of Canada’s education booklet – A Crown of Maples – was distributed across the country, including to new citizens at citizenship ceremonies.

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