Position: Queen of the Commonwealth realms
Age: 84
Time in Power: 58 years
Despite her many decades on the throne, Queen Elizabeth II is still yet to beat the record set by Queen Victoria, who reigned for 63 years and 7 months. During her reign she has seen great change to her "empire." Between 1956 and 1992, half of her realms became independent republics. She has presided over a modernizing of the monarchy, allowing the televising of the royal family's domestic life in 1970 and In 1978. She publicly condoned the dissolution of her sister's marriage, and weathered the storms that would come with the turbulent marriages of her offspring. Increasing attempts have been made by the royal family to portray themselves as normal, everyday folk. There was great hilarity when it was revealed that the Queen Mother, who died in March 2002, did a very accomplished Ali G impression.