Queen marks 65 yrs on British throne

Queen Elizabeth II, the world's longest-reigning monarch, set a new record yesterday as the first British sovereign to reach their sapphire jubilee, marking 65 years on the throne.

The head of state, now 90, became queen aged 25 upon the premature death of her father, king George VI, in 1952.

As usual on Accession Day, Queen Elizabeth was at her country estate in Norfolk, eastern England.

"The queen is spending the day privately at Sandringham House," a Buckingham Palace spokesman told AFP.

The monarch was working on the "red boxes" -- the red briefcases of official government papers -- and reflecting on her father's passing.

On Sunday, she was seen smiling as well-wishers gave her flowers outside church.

Prime Minister Theresa May said the country would join in giving thanks for the queen's lifetime of service to Britain and the wider Commonwealth. "It is a testament to her selfless devotion to the nation that she is not marking becoming the first monarch to reign for 65 years with any special celebration but instead getting on with the job to which she has dedicated her life," she said.

"She has truly been an inspiration to all of us and I am proud, on behalf of the nation, to offer our humble thanks and congratulations."