“Long to reign over us”

The Queen official Jubilee photo taken by John Swannell

Oh I wish I was on my way to London to join the Windsor’s for their greatest party ever. And whist it’s the party for the people, Her Majesty will really celebrate when she becomes the longest ever reigning Monarch in four years time – will she make it?

Queen Victoria holds the record of the longest reigning Monarch just short of 64 years and died 82 years old. Queen Elizabeth II is about to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee, a 60 year reign and is 85 years old.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother was the mother of Queen Elizabeth and she lived to be 101 and The Queen’s aunt HRH Princess Alice lived to be 103 - the Windsor stock has a track record of long rich and healthy lives.

There’s been much gossip about The Queen standing aside to allow Prince Charles to become King or even skip to Prince William – all rubbish of course.  This was put to rest just recently when The Queen renewed her pledge to serve her people until the day she dies.

"In this special year, as I dedicate myself anew to your service, I hope that we will all be reminded of the power of togetherness and the convening strength of family, friendship and good neighbourliness," she said in a statement released by Buckingham Palace.

"I hope also that this Jubilee Year will be a time to give thanks for the great advances that have been made since 1952 and to look forward to the future with clear head and warm heart as we join together in our celebrations."

See how wonderful she looks in her official Jubilee photo taken by John Swannell, showing the Queen elegantly poised in the Centre Room at Buckingham Palace in a white dress decorated with silver sequins complimenting her sparkling jewellery. On her head sits the 1820 diamond-encrusted State Diadem that she wore in the procession to Westminster Abbey on her Coronation Day.

And there will be celebrations aplenty covering the whole of the Jubilee weekend. From street parties Sunday lunch time before the Pageant on the Thames. A Concert at Buckingham Palace on Monday and finally on Tuesday a service at St Pauls and a Carriage Procession through the streets.

It’ll be super exciting, but alas, enjoyed courtesy of ABC 24. Nevertheless champers in hand, feasting on Coronation Chicken and Eaton Mess, it will be three cheers for Her Majesty – Hip Hip…   

Wishing I was in this photo