Queen Elizabeth II during a visit to the Corps of Royal Engineers at Brompton Barracks in Chatham, Kent — 13 October, 2016. Gareth Fuller / PA Wire / Press Association Images Today it was confirmed that Thailand's King Bhumibol — the world's longest-reigning monarch — died aged 88.

The Thai 'Rama' (King), ninth monarch of Thailand from the Chakri Dynasty, had ruled the Southeast Asian country for 70 years and 126 days, making him the 17th longest reigning monarch of all time.

Now that Bhumibol has passed away, Queen Elizabeth II is now the longest reigning monarch alive.

Elizabeth's accession to the throne was in 1952 after her father George VI died aged 56, meaning she has ruled the UK and commonwealth for 64 years.

Aged 90, the Queen is currently the 45th longest reigning monarch of all time. The Queen Mother died in 2002, aged 101 — if Elizabeth were to surpass her mother in age, she would be in the top 10 longest reigning monarchs of all time.

The current longest reigning monarch in history is Sobhuza II of Swaziland, who ruled for 82 years and 254 days.