As the Queen becomes the UK’s longest ever reigning monarch this week, Stylist explores how she’s flawlessly run the family business for 63 years...

Words: Georgie Lane-Godfrey Photography: Yousuf Karsh

When you hear the words ‘inspiring female boss’, who do you first think of? Sheryl Sandberg perhaps, famous for juggling two children and a global business while finding time to inspire a generation with her book about ‘leaning in’? Angela Merkel expertly steering the world’s battered economy through these difficult times? Or Hillary Clinton teeing up the next American presidency? There are many great women, but rarely does Queen Liz make the cut. But when you consider that on 9 September, she will become our longest-ever reigning monarch, she really should.

Queen Elizabeth II has been ruling the country now for over six decades. Admittedly, she inherited the role, but if the last 63 years have proved anything, it’s that the Queen has become a master of her trade. She ascended the throne at the tender age of just 25 (that’s the same age as Taylor Swift… or when the rest of us are juggling debt, dodgy flatshares and first jobs) and since then, she hasn’t just been the figurehead of the Commonwealth, a mere 53 countries, she’s also had to raise one of the most scrutinised families in the world.

The job is spectacularly demanding. The now 89-year old is also head of state for 16 countries, meaning that she has to stay razor sharp on all national and international developments. She must also travel between offices, the 775-room Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle when working, managing 1,200 staff that make up the Royal Household. She hosts – on average – 30,000 people a year at garden parties or investitures, has received over 1.5 million guests during her reign, has visited Canada 22 times, Australia 16 and New Zealand 10, and (poor woman) has endured 37 Royal Variety Performances.

All hail Elizabeth Windsor: CEO, Great Britain