Queen close to record as longest reigning monarch

Queen Elizabeth II, who rallied support for the monarchy despite presiding over what was once known as the world's most famous dysfunctional family, next month becomes Britain's longest-reigning monarch.

She never expected to take the throne and only did so because her uncle abdicated, but on Sept 9, she will beat the record held by her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, who reigned for more than 63 years.

"It is a job for life," the 89-year-old Elizabeth once said, and unlike some European monarchs recently, and even a pope, she is not expected to abdicate.