She has reigned for 63 years, rubbed shoulders with world leaders and met with the rich and famous. Now, as Queen Elizabeth II becomes Britains longest-reigning monarch, a look back at her years on the throne reveals some of the Hollywood stars she has met, including one Marilyn Monroe.
In this archive video from 29 October 1956, Elizabeth and Marilyn, both 30 years old at the time, can be seen shaking hands as they introduce themselves to one another. The occasion took place in Londons Leicester Square as the young Queen was meeting celebrities at a royal film performance of the 1956 Powell and Pressburger movie The Battle Of The River Plate.
Like the Queen, Monroe was a guest at the screening and was accompanied by her then husband, Death Of A Salesman playwright Arthur Miller. Other film stars in attendance to receive the Queen were Victor Mature and Joan Crawford.
The meeting between the Queen and Marilyn Monroe comes when the movie star was one of the biggest sex symbols of the 1950s. Her natural charisma and comedic talent in classic movies such as Some Like It Hot and How To Marry A Millionaire established her dumb blonde persona with millions of viewers around the world. Away from the screen she suffered various battles with addiction and mental health issues. She would die on 5 August 1962 from an overdose of barbiturates at the age of 36.
The Queen meanwhile has continued to serve on as head of state for 63 years and counting. On 9 September, Elizabeth II will become Britains longest reigning monarch, breaking the record held by her great-great grandmother Queen Victoria.
