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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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Queen chats with Nicola Sturgeon during train journey

The Queen has resumed her train journey to Tweedbank as she marks her historic day by inaugurating the new £294 million Scottish Borders Railway.

Queen Elizabeth II waved out of the window of the steam locomotive Union of South Africa on the day she becomes Britain's longest reigning monarch. Credit: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Her Majesty chatted with Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon during the journey from Waverley Station to Tweedbank. Credit: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire
Prince Philip joined the pair in the luxury carriage. Credit: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

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