据报道英国女王伊丽莎白二世成为英国历史上在位最长的统治者。请看本报周五的报道：

    On Wednesday, about 5:30 p.m., Elizabeth II became the longest reigning monarch in Britain’s history.

    …

    With Prince Charles — Britain’s longest-serving heir apparent — waiting in the wings, the future of the British Monarchy ultimately rests in his hands and those of his successor. Already aged 66, Charles’ reign and that of both William and George will likely be an elderly one, and so it will be imperative for each to find a way to maintain the monarchy’s relevance amidst an ever more youth-obsessed culture.

    文章中的 “heir apparent” 就是“法定继承人”、“皇储”的意思。

    如：On Dec. 10, 1936, Elizabeth became heir apparent to the throne after King Edward VIII abdicated and her father became king.