Assuming her health holds out, I believe that Queen Elizabeth II is aiming to beat the record established by her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, as Britain's longest-reigning monarch ("Will royal baby bump the queen?" July 12).

Victoria reigned 63 years and 7 months, from June 1837 until January 1901. Elizabeth became monarch in February 1952. She's now at 61 years, 5 months, and counting down.

Don't expect an abdication before September 2015, if then.

KATHRYN CHRISTENSON, St. Peter, Minn.