The World is a Stage
Article content
Yes, I wrote about Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday in April as it was on the 21st, so you might ask why it was in the news last Saturday, June 11th?
Way back in 1748, during the reign of King George II, the tradition started of officially celebrating the monarch's birthday at a time of year when the weather might be a little more reliable for the celebrations. After all, you have to have the ‘grand royal birthday parade' and summer is the best time to do that. So King George II, who was born in October, turned his annual summer military cavalcade into a celebration for himself and his armed forces.
Edward VII was born on November 9th, but his official birthday was always marked in May and June during his reign.
The Queen’s official birthday is always celebrated with a military parade, which 268 years after George II, is known as Trooping the Colour on Horse Guards Parade in London. Every year of her reign, the Queen used to ride horseback in the ceremony until the 1980s. On Saturday she oversaw her military parade of 1,500 soldiers and several hundred horses. This parade is a tradition that originates from preparations for battle, when flags are carried or "trooped" down the rank for soldiers to see.
This year Prince William was mounted during parade, with his father Prince Charles and his aunt Princess Anne. Canada has nothing to match this ‘parade’, which is an absolute thrill to see in person.
After Trooping the Colour, the Royal family gathered to watch a military fly-past from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. This year the balcony tradition added a special treat, for Prince William’s daughter, Princess Charlotte, made her first public appearance with the rest of the Royal family.
On Sunday, a massive block party inundated the wide avenue called the Mall, which connects Trafalgar Square with Buckingham Palace in London to celebrate the Queen’s 90th. Over 10,000 people came out to celebrate in front of the Palace, while hundreds of tables lined the Mall where representatives of the more than 600 charities and other organization of which the Queen is a patron, enjoyed a luncheon from wicker picnic hampers.
The Queen’s husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince William, and Duchess of Cambridge, as well as Prince Harry attended the luncheon, which in the summer may have thwarted snow, but not the typical English rain. However the special guests were give plastic ponchos. After the luncheon the parties began.
What happened back in April for her real birthday? There were parties everywhere, as no one misses a chance to party, but her Majesty had a quiet, private affair, although guns boomed a salute to mark the occasion.
What did you do to celebrate our Queen’s birthday? Nothing? Well, you haven’t missed your chance. You can still celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday by gathering at St. John’s Anglican Church on Ridout Street W. on Wednesday, June 29 from 1:30-3 p.m. for a Royal English Cream Tea. The cost is $7.50 and trust me, the Cream Teas at what was once called ‘The Church of England’ are fantastic! All proceeds will go to St. John’s Outreach projects.
I expect, considering the royalty of the situation, that the ladies just might dig out hats and gloves, but don’t be intimidated, not everyone dresses up and everyone - whether crowned or casual - is welcome!
The life our Queen is well worth celebrating. She has led the Commonwealth through many tremendous social and political changes throughout her record-breaking reign. Politicians and entertainers have come and gone, but the one comforting constant has been Her Majesty.
Even at 90, she is still in charge of the ‘family firm.' Prince William said it best, "As she turns 90, she's a remarkably energetic and guiding force for her family. She may be my grandmother, but she's also very much the boss."
So come and enjoy the chance to have a taste of England and honour Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor’s birthday!