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On 2 June 1953, royal ceremony was similarly opened to TV in a way never considered before. Televising the coronation was vetoed by both the Palace and Winston Churchill – but they were forced to bow to public opinion. TV ownership doubled and more than 27 million Britons crowded into their neighbours’ living rooms to watch the show.On Wednesday, at 5.30pm, Elizabeth will become the longest reigning British monarch when she surpasses Victoria's record of 63 years and 217 days. Although she will be the world's longest reigning female monarch, Elizabeth has some way to go before becoming the longest reigning monarch – that is Sobhuza II of Swaziland, who reigned for 82 years. Even in Europe, the French are streaks ahead, with 18th-century Sun King Louis XIV at a sturdy 72 years and three months..