Why Queen Elizabeth II is in the Guinness Book of World Records

Queen Elizabeth II is a Guinness Book of Records holder seven times over but what kind of records did the Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith hold? 

Editor's note: Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-serving monarch passed away on Sept 8, 2022, aged 96. BHT takes a look back at some of the most popular stories that arose during her 70-year reign. 

The late Queen Elizabeth II holds seven official Guinness World Records. Below we dive into what makes Queen Elizabeth II a Guinness World Record holder:

Longest reigning queen

Queen Elizabeth II is the longest-reigning Queen of England of all time. As of Sept 9, 2015, Queen Elizabeth's reign exceeded the rule of her predecessor Queen Victoria. She ruled for 63 years, seven months, and three days, from June 20, 1837, to Jan 22, 1901. 

Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926, and took the throne on Feb 6, 1952, following the death of her father, King George VI.

At the time of her death on September 8, 2022, she had reigned for a total of 70 years and 214 days.

Oldest British monarch

At the age of 96 years old Queen Elizabeth II was officially the oldest British monarch in history, having surpassed King George III ( who ruled from 1760 to 1820). He was 82 when he died. 

Oldest British Queen

Queen Elizabeth stole the title of the oldest British Queen in 2007 when she surpassed the age of her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, who rained until the age of 81 years and 244 days..

Feature on the most currencies

Elizabeth II holds the world record for the most currencies that have featured the same individual's image. The Queen's face (or profile as the case may be) has appeared on the coinage of at least 45 different countries. That's more than any other living monarch.

Queen Victoria appeared on the coinage of 21 countries. While King George V appeared on 19.

The wealthiest Queen

As of April 2012, according to the Sunday Times Rich List Her Majesty the Queen was worth £310 million ($504 million).

Her vast wealth includes collections of fine art, jewelry, and property in England and Scotland, however, this accounted for just a fraction of the Queen's huge personal fortune.

Largest parade of boats

On June 3, 2012, the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant took to the River Thames to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II, her 60th anniversary as monarch. This was the largest parade of boats ever recorded as 670 boats turned out with several members of the royal family taking part. 

Previously the world record title for the largest parade of boats was held by Bremerhaven, Germany, where on April 30, 2011, a 327 boat went on display.

* Originally published in Jan 2020. Updated in 2023.