Queen Elizabeth II has become the first royal in British history to reign for 65 years, reaching that milestone on Monday.
The 65-year anniversary of beginning to reign is known as the Sapphire Jubilee, but it is also the anniversary of the Queen’s father’s death. The Queen has chosen to downplay the celebration of the day and will instead spend it in solitude and meditation at her country retreat of Sandringham, according to the BBC.
Prime Minister Theresa May released a statement congratulating the Queen, saying that she is “truly an inspiration to all of us” and saying, “I know the nation will join with me today in celebrating and giving thanks for the lifetime of service Her Majesty the Queen has given to our country and to the Commonwealth,” the BBC reported.
The fact that the Queen asked for no official celebrations of this milestone was “a testament to her selfless devotion to the nation,” May added. There were royal gun salutes in several places in London to mark the occasion, including a 62-gun salute at the Tower of London.
The Queen is now 90 years old, and she has begun to turn some of her royal duties over to other family members, but still has an active schedule. In November, Queen Elizabeth II will celebrate 70 years of marriage to Prince Philip.
A photo taken in 2014 showing the Queen wearing sapphire jewelry was re-released to mark the date, CNN reported. The jewelry was given to her by her father when she married Prince Philip in 1947.
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