God Save the Queen

Today is a holiday in my home and native land, one commonly referred to by most Canadians as the May Two-Four (referring to the fact that the holiday is celebrated on or directly before May 24th, and also that it is normally observed by the consumption of a ‘two-four’ – a box of 24 bottles of beer). However, in my family, we prefer to call the holiday by its proper name, the Victoria Day long weekend, in honour of Queen Victoria’s birthday.

Living in England, you would expect that the Brits would be right in on this holiday, waving the Union Jack and belting out God Save the Queen at every opportunity. But (can you believe it?) the birth of the longest reigning monarch in English history goes completely unobserved on this side of the pond.

I’ll admit the May 2-4 is certainly not the most widely celebrated holiday in Canada. The Canada Day weekend – the first long weekend of the summer – puts up strong competition.

Captain Canada’s sidekick is so not impressed

But, largely due to the enthusiasm of my dear uncle, Victoria Day has always been a big celebration in my family. The portrait of Queen Victoria gets dusted off and placed centre stage, the cottage is covered in Union Jacks, and the family gathers for a rousing chorus of Rule Britannia.

Let’s play a game called find all of the flags – Exhibit A

Exhibit B

Exhibit C

So with my family an ocean away this Victoria Day weekend, I was determined to find my own little ways to observe this unique aspect of Canadian (?) culture. Here’s what I came up with:

Delightful high tea at the Ashmolean Museum dining room – something I’m sure Queen Vicky herself would have enjoyed.

I know this is the wrong monarch but I thought wearing a necklace with Lizzie’s mug would get me in the royal spirit.

And finally…

Hat shopping for my tea at Buckingham Palace one week from tomorrow. Check out that bow!

Happy Victoria Day everyone – God save the Queen!