Queen Elizabeth II becomes UK's longest-reigning monarch: her Coronation year - in pictures

As the Queen today becomes Britain's longest reigning monarch, we take a look at historic images from her Coronation year, 1953. 

She will pass the record set by Queen Victoria, who defined an era and left an indelible mark on 19th century British history.

The exact moment the Queen passes Victoria's milestone is not known as there is no precise time for the death of her father, George VI - who died in the early hours of February 6 1952.

It is thought he probably died at 1am, so at around 5.30pm the Queen will make history as Buckingham Palace has calculated she will have reigned for 23,226 days, 16 hours and about 30 minutes, a few minutes longer than Victoria.

Celebrations are being held throughout the day, with church bells ringing out across the country and business in the House of Commons postponed for half an hour so MPs can pay tribute to the Queen.

From sunrise, the BT Tower in central London has been scrolling the message "Long May She Reign" and later the royal rowbarge Gloriana will join a flotilla of boats in a procession down the River Thames.

The Queen's reign has been defined by her dedication to duty and strong belief in her role as the nation's monarch.

Stoical, composed, pragmatic, private and with an unshakeable Christian faith, she is one of the most famous figures on the planet.

As head of state, the armed forces and the Church of England, the Queen is at the centre of national life but she is also a wife with more than 67 years of marriage under her belt, a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Robert Jobson discusses Queen Elizabeth II

Looking forward to her destiny she pledged to serve the Commonwealth in a radio broadcast made in 1947 when Princess Elizabeth: "I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong."