Queen Elizabeth II surpasses Queen Victoria's long reign

[Rosella]

I'm sorry Mayerling. When I wrote that republicans might be on the move here, I meant in Oz, as Gut has explained.

Even though there are republicans in Britain that would dearly love to see the monarchy abolished, I'm sure!

[GUT]

I don't think the republican movement will catch on. The monarchy is such a tourist attraction to the British Isles, and it's historical significance is only possibly shared by the Spanish Bourbons (who currently also have a throne again). All of the other monarchies in Europe are from smaller countries, except (economically) Sweden, and (in terms of physical size) Norway.

Jeff

Pretty sure Rosella is talking Aus as I am. Sorry for any confusion.

[Mayerling]

I don't think the republican movement will catch on. The monarchy is such a tourist attraction to the British Isles, and it's historical significance is only possibly shared by the Spanish Bourbons (who currently also have a throne again). All of the other monarchies in Europe are from smaller countries, except (economically) Sweden, and (in terms of physical size) Norway.

Jeff

[Rosella]

Yes, Victoria was very self-centred and is probably popping her heavenly wings in frustration right now!

Charles isn't exactly flavour of the month back in Britain either and Camilla's poll numbers are even worse. Are republicans on the move here really though, I've seen no figures to back it? It may be that the republican movement is scenting the Abbott government's demise and is hoping for a bipartisan republican debate with Shorten as PM and probably Malcolm Turnbull as opposition leader in Bill's first term. (I still don't think a Yes vote in a referendum would succeed because of the technical difficulties in getting any amendment to the Constitution through.)

[belinda]

No Victoria was actually a very jealous woman. She wouldn't like it

[GUT]

Yes, the old girl's passed her milestone. And done it without hiding away for decades like Victoria did. She's done her duty all her life and I take my hat off to her. I wouldn't be surprised if she lives as long as her mother. Poor Charles!

Well done Elizabeth!

I hope so.

The Republican movement is on the rise again down here and Charles and Camilla could be just the boost they need whereas Will and Kate and little George are pretty popular.

[Rosella]

Yes, the old girl's passed her milestone. And done it without hiding away for decades like Victoria did. She's done her duty all her life and I take my hat off to her. I wouldn't be surprised if she lives as long as her mother. Poor Charles!

Well done Elizabeth!

[GUT]

Victoria would not be amused

Actually she'd probably be proud of her Descendant.

[belinda]

Victoria would not be amused

[GUT]

I heard about this. Congratulations to your Queen on doing better than her ancestor! May she continue to live long and prosper.

Not much doubt about the prosper bit.

[Pcdunn]

I heard about this. Congratulations to your Queen on doing better than her ancestor! May she continue to live long and prosper.

[GUT]

Long to Reign over us, God save the Queen.

[Harry D]

The wonders of the NHS.

[Mayerling]

I am sure we all wish the Queen the best on such a date for her current reign.

Before Victoria, it was King George III who had the record (1760 - 1820), which remains (currently) the record for a male monarch - but George also was insane on and off, and permanently so after 1810, so one might wonder if a decade of being "Prince Regent" should be tacked onto King George IV.

Jeff

[RivkahChaya]

I went to an international school sponsored by the US and UK embassies in Moscow. We got a mix of UK and US holidays off. It happened to be the year of one of the queen's jubilees, I think silver, and the whole school got a day off.

So, thanks, your Majesty, and mazel tov.