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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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'Touched' Queen 'never aspired' to set monarchy record

The Queen has said she had "never aspired" to become Britain's longest-reigning monarch but was "thankful" for the messages received on the historic day.

"A long life can pass by many milestones," she said as she opened a new railway line in Scotland. "My own is no exception."

She said she and the Duke of Edinburgh were "delighted to be back in the Borders" as she unveiled the new Scottish Borders Railway alongside Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Many including you, First Minister, have kindly noted another significance attaching to today, although it is not one to which I have ever aspired.

Inevitably, a long life can pass by many milestones. My own is no exception.

But I thank you all, and the many others at home and overseas, for your touching messages of great kindness.

– The Queen
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Queen is Britain's longest-reigning monarch

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