Queen Victoria's Birthday, Windsor Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

Happy Birthday Queen Victoria! Victoria was born on May 24, 1819 so tomorrow is her birthday! She lived until 1901 and was the longest reigning monarch...until our current Queen Elizabeth II who celebrates her Diamond Jubilee year of 60 years' reign this year.

This wonderful portrait was painted by Winterhalter in 1842. I love the meticulous lace. We are all more familiar with photos like this as she went into mourning on the death of her beloved husband Prince Albert and remained in mourning until her death.

 Her birthday was remembered in Canada this past weekend with the Victoria Day celebrations. The celebrations were also linked this year to Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations.

This last weekend was also the opening salve for the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations with a Royal party for Windsor Castle, the Queen's favorite home. There was an armed forces Muster, Fly By, massed Queen's Guard Unit parade and bands and other festivities including a Windsor High Street walk about for the city residents.

There are Yeoman Warders, also known as Beefeaters at Windsor as well.

As the Navy passes by, they are viewed by military pensioners who live in the area.

I especially loved the manuever of a fly by with planes in the formation of E II R and also in the number 60. The colored trails are so cool as well!
 

This is the massed Queen's Guards regiments which includes the Coldstream Guards, my husbands old regiment. He was quire teary as we watched the YouTube video below of the fly by.
 

 all photos from The Mail Online

I am quite excited about the main Diamond Jubilee celebrations on the weekend of June 2nd. I'll tell you more about them soon.

Here is a YouTube video of the Diamond Jubilee Fly By at Windsor. Enjoy!