Queen Elizabeth’s historic 63 year-reign

Queen Elizabeth II is now the longest reigning monarch in British history, surpassing, her great-great grandmother, Queen Victoria, who served for 63 years and seven months.

For Her Royal Highness, who said today at a ceremony in Scotland, that this milestone was not one she ever aspired to, it was another day of business as usual.

But for her loyal subjects, such as Robert Finch, Dominion Chairman of the Canadian Monarchist League, it is an occasion to honour a remarkable woman.

In both Toronto and Montreal the celebrations will be simple gatherings in British pubs this evening, An occasion for a ‘Loyal Toast’ which consists of raising a glass with the words, “The Queen”.

Robert Finch says this is a day any Canadian living now will never see again.  He marvels at a 63 year-reign in a country only 150 years old. Indeed it was the previous longest-reigning monarch, Queen Victoria, who was on the throne at the time of Canada’s confederation.

All Canadians know the Queen from our coins and currency, and perhaps a postage stamp. Finch says the celebrations on this occasion are a reflection of the diversity of Canada. He has heard of plans from small towns, to First Nations reserves, to big city proclamations.

He says both Victoria and Elizabeth the Second, share an affinity for the commonwealth, and both were and are, considered global stateswomen.

Membership in the Monarchist League in Canada has grown, particularly since the last royal wedding. “We’ve seen the number of new memberships really go through the roof… and the bulk of them, nearly 40 per cent are young francophones.”

While doing her duty today, inaugurating a railway in Scotland, Queen Elizabeth II shared her thoughts: “Inevitably a long life can pass by many milestones – my own is no exception – but I thank you all and the many others at home and overseas for your touching messages of great kindness.”