Most Summer Olympic Games opened by an individual! Queen Elizabeth’s world records and honours

Queen Elizabeth is synonymous with world records for her contribution to Britain and the Commonwealth during her 70 years on the throne. Let’s take a look back at some of the most important world records set by the Queen, as well as some of her most interesting awards as she marks her Platinum Jubilee.

Queen Elizabeth set the Guinness World Record for the oldest Queen in history. Let’s not forget that Her Majesty celebrated her 96th birthday on April 21st, 2022, although she set the record back in 2007. Britain's Queen Victoria was the previous holder of the record, having lived until the age of 81 years and 244 days.

Queen Elizabeth also became the longest-reigning British monarch in history. She took the throne on February 6, 1952 and surpassed Queen Victoria's record of 63 years, 216 days as the monarch in 2015.

Queen Elizabeth also set the Guinness World Record for Most Currencies Featuring the Same Individual. Her image has graced at least 33 different international currencies, although some countries have removed her after gaining independence from Britain.

Queen Elizabeth is the wealthiest monarch in the world too. According to The Sunday Times Rich List in 2022, Her Majesty’s net worth is estimated to be £370 million.

Queen Elizabeth is the only person to open the Summer Olympic Games more than once. The monarch inaugurated the 1976 Montreal Games as Canada's Head of State before doing so again at London 2012.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s marriage is also worth to mention. The royal couple wed in 1947 and remained as husband and wife for more than 73 years until Philip's death in 2021. Their marriage is so far the longest one within the British royal family.

While this one is not a world record, it is certainly worth a mention. Between 1948 and 1951, Queen Elizabeth got four relevant academic degrees: Doctor of Civil Law by the University of Oxford, Doctor of Music from the University of Wales, Doctor of Laws from the University of Edinburgh, and another Doctor of Laws from the University of London.

In 2013 Queen Elizabeth received an honorary BAFTA award for her "lifelong support of the British film and television industry". The monarch was presented with the award by star of stage and screen Sir Kenneth Branagh.

Queen Elizabeth has always loved animals and in 2014 she was awarded the first ever International Equestrian Federation (FEI)’s Lifetime Achievement Award. It was presented by FEI’s head, Princess Haya of Jordan, in an event that took place at Buckingham Palace.

Queen Elizabeth received the Life Saving Award when she was a teenager. This was revealed by the monarch herself during a call with the Royal Life Saving Society, a drowning prevention charity. It seems the Queen was very good at swimming and saving lives!