<P> When her father died in February 1952 , she became Head of the Commonwealth and queen regnant of seven independent Commonwealth countries : the United Kingdom , Canada , Australia , New Zealand , South Africa , Pakistan , and Ceylon . She has reigned through major constitutional changes , such as devolution in the United Kingdom , Canadian patriation , and the decolonisation of Africa . Between 1956 and 1992 , the number of her realms varied as territories gained independence and realms , including South Africa , Pakistan , and Ceylon ( renamed Sri Lanka ) , became republics . Her many historic visits and meetings include a state visit to the Republic of Ireland and visits to or from five popes . Significant events have included her coronation in 1953 and the celebrations of her Silver , Golden , and Diamond Jubilees in 1977 , 2002 , and 2012 respectively . In 2017 , she became the first British monarch to reach a Sapphire Jubilee . She is the longest - lived and longest - reigning British monarch as well as the world 's longest - reigning queen regnant and female head of state , the oldest and longest - reigning current monarch and the longest - serving current head of state . </P>
<P> When her father died in February 1952 , she became Head of the Commonwealth and queen regnant of seven independent Commonwealth countries : the United Kingdom , Canada , Australia , New Zealand , South Africa , Pakistan , and Ceylon . She has reigned through major constitutional changes , such as devolution in the United Kingdom , Canadian patriation , and the decolonisation of Africa . Between 1956 and 1992 , the number of her realms varied as territories gained independence and realms , including South Africa , Pakistan , and Ceylon ( renamed Sri Lanka ) , became republics . Her many historic visits and meetings include a state visit to the Republic of Ireland and visits to or from five popes . Significant events have included her coronation in 1953 and the celebrations of her Silver , Golden , and Diamond Jubilees in 1977 , 2002 , and 2012 respectively . In 2017 , she became the first British monarch to reach a Sapphire Jubilee . She is the longest - lived and longest - reigning British monarch as well as the world 's longest - reigning queen regnant and female head of state , the oldest and longest - reigning current monarch and the longest - serving current head of state . </P>
when did the current queen of england take the throne
when did the current queen of england take the throne
February 1952
February 1952