The Queen's Russian Connections
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Today, Queen Elizabeth II becomes Britain's longest reigning monarch, surpassing Queen Victoria's record.
When the Queen, 89, became head of state in 1952, Joseph Stalin was leader of the Soviet Union. Her reign has seen 11 Soviet and Russian leaders come and go.
When the Queen, 89, became head of state in 1952, Joseph Stalin was leader of the Soviet Union. Her reign has seen 11 Soviet and Russian leaders come and go.
Yevgeny Stetsko / For MT
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Queen Elizabeth II visited Moscow and St. Petersburg from Oct. 17-20, 1994. The visit marked history's first visit of the reigning British monarch to Russia.
Yevgeny Stetsko / For MT
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Russian President Boris Yeltsin accompanied the Queen on the tour, even finding time to attend Moscow's Bolshoi Theater.
Yevgeny Stetsko / For MT
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HM Queen Elizabeth II welcomes Russian President Vladimir Putin to London on April 17, 2000.
Kremlin
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Russian President Vladimir Putin and his wife Lyudmila Putina were welcomed at the Horse Guards Parade by HM Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh on June 24, 2003.
Kremlin
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Russian President Vladimir Putin dons his tailcoat when visiting Britain on June 26, 2003.
Kremlin
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Russian President Vladimir Putin and his wife Lyudmila Putina are flanked by Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh and HM Queen Elizabeth II.
Kremlin