HAMPSHIRE County Council’s cabinet and chief officers have gathered in Winchester’s Great Hall to raise a toast to Queen Elizabeth II, who has now become the longest reigning monarch in British history.

County council leader Roy Perry led the toast underneath the bronze of the Queen which was commissioned by former Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire Dame Mary Fagan for Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee in 2013.

Mr Perry said: “For more than 63 years Queen Elizabeth II has been a constant in all our lives, through good times and bad. On behalf of the people of Hampshire, I would like to congratulate Her Majesty and let her know that we are thinking of her at this special time.”

Pictured are Alton councillor Andrew Joy, Paul Archer, Veronica Perry, John Coughlan, Carolyn Williamson, Mel Kendal, Karen Murray, Stuart Jarvis, Roy Perry, Peter Edgar, and Patricia Stallard.