If you didn’t get a chance to celebrate the Queen becoming the longest-reigning monarch in British history on Wednesday, it wasn’t for lack of local festivities.
On the day she broke Queen Victoria’s reigning record, you couldn’t swing a Union Jack flag in this town without hitting a royal celebration.
Even if you weren’t a diehard monarchist, it was hard to resist the Liz love during the 23,226 Days of Reign in Oak Bay tea on the lawn of its municipal hall.
“It’s an amazing reign,” said Oak Bay Mayor Nils Jensen, who proudly declared himself a constitutional monarchist at the free event, one of many regionwide.
“That structure has served us so well, and we have such a stable democracy. If we know it works, why change to something that may take us down the road to what’s happening in the U.S.?”
He good-naturedly brushed aside any suggestions the region’s most tony municipality was perpetuating the “wee bit of Olde England” label tourism officials have been moving away from.
“Ever since the Tweed Curtain was sent to the cleaners decades ago, people lost track of it,” he deadpanned, recalling past references to the symbolic barrier separating Oak Bay from Greater Victoria.
“There is no Tweed Curtain that surrounds us. We’re an open community and we welcome everyone to come and celebrate with us. We’re a modern, progressive, vibrant and arty community.”
Some of the 200 people who showed up for cucumber sandwiches, biscuits and tea served by volunteers, including local Pathfinders, were old enough to remember the Queen’s ascension to the throne.
London-born Sheila Skene, 72, and her husband Michael, 80, wearing a navy blue blazer and white slacks, said the event rekindled fond memories.
“We both remember the coronation,” said Sheila, who grew up in Devon. “I was dancing around the maypole on the green.”
Organizer Hazel Braithwaite, with her Union Jack glasses, flag and matching teacup, got right into the royal spirit.
“It’s been such a fabulous event and Oak Bay epitomizes the British monarchy,” said the Oak Bay councillor.
The Queen herself showed up — or rather, royal impersonator Lynda Witham. She graciously posed for photos with fans alongside Elaine Kilpatrick, wearing a black, lace-accented gown as Queen Victoria.
“She’s looking very good for a woman of 196,” observed Witham, looking resplendent in her crown and velvet outfit on the throne, even when feigning annoyance when fans called them Your Royal Highness.
“It’s ‘Your Majesty,’” she corrects with a pursed smile.
“People are showing great affection for a lady who was born into a role she didn’t ask for, and she isn’t complaining,” the Monarchist League of Canada member said. “She’s had to adapt. She may still surprise us [by reigning much longer]. She has good genes.”
Of course, such a tribute wouldn’t be complete without a contingent of corgis, the Royal Family’s preferred pooches. The Queen has owned more than 30 during her reign.
“They’re very companionable and have a wonderful sense of order,” said Andria Tetlow, a retired Welsh corgi breeder who kept her eyes on a dozen underfoot, with names such as Merlin, Hwnffre and Gwyneira.
Although the small dogs that originated in Wales are energetic, they’re eager to please and like to settle in front of a fire and relax, she said. They also appear to be smiling when they hold their heads up.
“It’s called the Corgi grin,” explained Ken Lane, the retired Victoria businessman who brought along Selwyn, his own corgi, and came dressed as a London bobby.
“The Queen needs some kind of security, doesn’t she?”
