The young Queen in 1952

de bene esse: literally, of well-being, morally acceptable but subject to future validation or exception

DOMINIC SANDBROOK: Let's be frank: The young woman who became Queen in 1952 could not have imagined the Britain of today 

Elizabeth II today becomes the longest-serving monarch in British history, overtaking her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria's record of 63 years and 216 days on the throne.