Queen Margrethe is all smiles as she celebrates making Danish history

Congratulations are in order for Queen Margrethe, as she's just made history in Denmark.

The 83-year-old queen is now the longest reigning monarch in Danish history, surpassing the reign of King Christian IV.

Christian IV was just shy of 11-years-old when he ascended the throne after his father's death in 1588. But, as he was not yet of legal age, a guardian government was installed until he turned 18 in August 1596 - which was when he was formally crowned King of Denmark.

Christian IV went on to rule Denmark right up until his death in February 1648; meaning he ruled for 51 years and six months.

Margrethe ascended the throne, after the death of her father King Frederick IX, on January 14, 1972. She was 31-years-old and became the first female Danish sovereign.

Her Majesty has ruled ever since, meaning that as of mid-July 2023, she has ruled for more than 51 years and six months, obviously breaking Christian IV's record.

To celebrate the momentous occasion, the Danish royal court shared new photographs of Queen Margrethe on board the Royal Ship Dannebrog.

She wore a nautical-print summer dress with a red belt, and looked simply radiant despite undergoing serious back surgery in February of this year.

The current record for longest reigning monarch in world history is held by King Louis XIV of France. He ruled for more than 72 years.

The late Queen Elizabeth II almost broke this record, as she ruled the United Kingdom and Commonwealth realms for 70 years before her passing in September of last year.