With both The Queen's birthday and St. George's day taking place this week, it is time to celebrate everything we love about our green and pleasant land. Let us proudly wave our British flag, enjoying a weeklong British celebration!
Her Majesty The Queen celebrates not one birthday, but rather two a year, what a lucky lady! Her actual birthday is today, 21 April, which she typically celebrates privately. It has long been customary to celebrate her birthday on a Saturday in June, known as The Queen's official birthday. A day during the summer escapes the unpredictable but frequent gloom of April showers. Queen Elizabeth's official birthday allows for a nationwide celebration of the Royal Majesty during a warm, pleasant and sun filled day. This day is recognised publicly by gun salutes throughout London. There is a 41 gun salute in Hyde Park at midday, a 21 gun salute in Windsor Great Park and a 62 gun salute at the Tower of London at 1 pm. While the Queen's official birthday marks a day of public pomp and ceremony, today should not go without celebration.
This Wednesday, seen as England's national day, is yet another occasion to honour our great nation. St. George is the patron saint of England and this Wednesday, 23 April, marks the anniversary of his death. According to legend, St. George was a soldier in the Roman army who heroically killed a dragon and saved a princess. He is forever depicted as a knight carrying a shield with a red cross on it amidst the act of slaying a dragon. Look out for the red and white flag of St. George waving out of many pubs and other businesses helping to celebrate the English history and culture.
In honour of The Queen's actual birthday and St. George's day, let's make this a week of true British fashion. Although tea definitely doesn't require an occasion, we all know that a good old cuppa will always bring out our inner Britishness. So make sure to pop on the kettle to celebrate the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen and commemorate the great St. George, the patron saint of England.
