Extract from Hansard [ASSEMBLY — Wednesday, 9 September 2015] p5993f-5994a Dr Kim Hames

HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II — REIGN Statement by Minister for Health DR K.D. HAMES (Dawesville — Minister for Health) [12.05 pm]: I rise today to inform the house that on Wednesday, 9 September 2015, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will become the longest reigning British in history. On this date, Her Majesty will surpass the record set by her great-great-grandmother, , who reigned for 63 years and seven months. At the age of 25, Her Majesty ascended the throne on 6 February 1952 following the passing of her father, King George VI. Her Majesty’s coronation took place the following year in Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953. Her Majesty’s longevity is a source of strength to the monarchy and commonwealth. During this reign, Her Majesty has given audience to 12 British Prime Ministers; has conducted over 200 visits to commonwealth countries, including 16 visits to Australia; and is patron to over 600 charities and organisations. These undertakings are a true indication of Her Majesty’s dedication to the monarchy and the people of the commonwealth. Her Majesty has also celebrated many milestones: the Queen’s silver jubilee in 1977, the golden jubilee in 2002, and more recently the Queen’s diamond jubilee in 2012. Only five other kings and queens in British history have reigned for 50 years or more, and Queen Victoria is the only other British monarch to have celebrated a diamond jubilee. On behalf of the Western Australian Parliament, I would like to congratulate Her Majesty the Queen on this remarkable milestone as Her Majesty becomes our longest reigning monarch.

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