Queen Elizabeth II: History "repeats" in Westminster Abbey Queen Elizabeth II has returned to Westminster Abbey 60 years after the original coronation ceremony. At 87 years of age, she is on track to beat the record of longest-reigning British monarch, currently held by Queen Victoria. She was joined by 20 members of her family and many of those who attended the ceremony back in 1953. It turned out to be a blast from the past. Queen Elizabeth entered the Abbey to the same orchestral music and the St Edward's Crown made its first outing from the Tower of London since the coronation. Crowned at the age of 27, her son Prince Charles was just four at the time. Now in his sixties, he was joined by his son Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, who will extend the royal lineage when she gives birth next month. The Queen made a solemn vow when named successor to King George VI in 1952. "I declare before you all that my all life whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and to the service of our great Imperial family to which we all belong," she said. More about: Anniversary, Ceremony, Queen Elizabeth II, United Kingdom