MUMBAI: A little over three decades since its release, Queen's 'Greatest Hits' album has made chart history by surpassing six million sales in the UK. Announced by the Official Charts Company, the milestone makes it not only the best selling album in the country, but also the first album in the UK to have sold over 6 million copies.

First released in 1981, Queen's 'Greatest Hits' features 17 of the iconic rock band's best tracks, spanning over 11 years. The album, which includes songs like 'Bohemian Rhapsody', 'Another One Bites the Dust', 'We Will Rock You' and 'I Want to Break Free', has managed to beat out records by other popular British acts like The Beatles, ABBA and Adele.

Queen guitarist Brian May, in a video message, said that the news was amazing and called the milestone “incredible”. He added, “I just want to say thanks to everyone who has supported us through the years, we hope to continue to serve you."

Chief Executive of the Official Charts Company, Martin Talbot claimed that since it was released, the album has been part of music fans' record collections. In addition to the physical sales, the digital version of the album has been downloaded about 124,000 times in the UK. It is estimated that one in four British families owns a copy of the hit album.

The band's other greatest hits album 'Greatest Hits II' ranks tenth on the list of best selling albums in the UK and has sold 3.9 million copies. It was released in October 1991, a month before Queen's frontman Freddie Mercury passed away.

Following Queen's 'Greatest Hits' of best selling albums is ABBA's 'Gold', The Beatles' 'Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band', Adele's '21' and Oasis' '(What's the Story) Morning Glory'.