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Queen is Britain's longest-reigning monarch

The Queen has thanked people from around the world for their "touching messages of great kindness" on the day she becomes Britain's longest-reigning monarch.

Her Majesty will have served for 63 years and seven months - approximately 23,226 days, 16 hours and approximately 30 minutes - by around 5.30pm today, overtaking the previous record held by Queen Victoria.

She told well-wishers in the Scottish town of Tweedbank that it was not a milestone she had never aspired to but that she was "very grateful" for the messages of support.

Earlier, David Cameron told the Commons that her reign had been "a golden thread running through three post-war generations".

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PM: Queen's service to Britain has been 'truly humbling'

Prime Minister David Cameron has paid fulsome tribute to the Queen on the day she becomes Britain's longest running monarch, describing her reign as a "golden thread running through three post-war generations".

Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Cameron said: "I do think it's right that today we should stop and take a moment as a nation to stop and mark this historic milestone."

Her Majesty the Queen inspires us all with her remarkable service, her dignified leadership and the extraordinary grace with which she carries out her duties.

It is truly humbling to comprehend the scale of service that Her Majesty the Queen has given this country. The reign of Queen Elizabeth II has been a golden thread running through three post-war generations.

The Queen is our Queen and we couldn't be more proud of her. She has served this country with unerring grace, dignity and decency. And long may she continue to do so.

– Prime Minister David Cameron

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