Queen Elizabeth II is expected to make a rare public speech to mark the historic milestone of becoming the longest reigning monarch of Britain on September 9.
The Queen will thank her British and Commonwealth subjects for 63 years of support when she overtakes Queen Victoria’s record.
The 89-year-old monarch had originally wanted to spend the landmark day in private but then decided to interrupt her holiday at Balmoral in Scotland and open a railway in the Borders area. Now she may go a step further and make a short speech and pay tribute to her predecessor.
The Queen rarely speaks in public, confining herself to set piece events such as her Christmas message, opening of Parliament and speeches at State banquets.