Tuesday, May 15, 2012

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee

On June 2, 2012 it will be 59 years since the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II,
and 60 since she ascended the throne.
I've been collecting a few souvenirs to mark the occasion.
Somehow I acquired the Coronation Book from 1953 which you can see behind the modern items.
The lovely tin of tea came from the Winners store.
I'm a great fan of the Royal family, probably due to the British roots on my Dad's side of the family.
Britain will be hosting many celebrations on the June 2nd weekend, and one of my friends plans to do the same. I will be making a Queen's Cake.
If you'd like to send greetings to the Queen, you can do so at this website:
Once the message has been received, you will get a special thank you by email, which includes a special large photo of Queen Elizabeth. Mine is hanging on the fridge.

In September 1919, Edward Prince of Wales visited Carleton School which is close to where I live.
I've searched high and low and can't find any information on why he visited this area. He was in Canada for a few months. He also went through Stanley Park and had his picture taken by the Hollow Tree before sailing to Victoria BC. Unfortunately he didn't remain a King for long, and abdicated in 1936 to marry his "true love". Through that turn of events, his younger brother took over and became King George V until February 6, 1952, when his daughter Elizabeth became Queen at the age of 25.
She is the second longest reigning Queen, behind Queen Victoria who reigned for 63 years and 7 months.

The Queen's mother, Queen Elizabeth affectionately known as the Queen Mum, visited Vancouver with her husband in May 1939. That was long before any of our family had moved to Vancouver.
I've met Queen Elizabeth in a walkabout in 1983, and also met her daughter in law, Diana and Prince Charles in 1986. It's exciting when Royalty visits!

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