Prince George BC- A town crier, a cake, a piper, Legion members, Rocky Mountain Rangers,  Mounties  and local dignitaries  all part of the noon hour party to celebrate the long reign of Queen Elizabeth  II.

As of today, Her Majesty  is now the longest  reigning monarch in history,  having been on the throne  for 63 years, seven months and three days.   It is a  reign that  has  surpassed that of  Queen Victoria.

In his remarks  to the gathering on the front lawn of City Hall, Mayor Lyn Hall spoke of  the Queen’s visit to Prince George for the opening of  the University of Northern BC and the Prince George Civic Centre ,  then joked, “We are also very fond of the Queen’s great grandson,  Prince George  who  we know was named after, Prince George.”

Major Rick Lewis read  a message from the  Queen’s Director of the Private Secretary’s Office at Buckingham Palace   that was addressed to the Mayor and all of the citizens of Prince George “The Queen has asked me to send her best wishes to you and to those participating in the celebrations for a most memorable and enjoyable  day.”

The Union Jack  was raised over  City Hall,   in between the flag of British Columbia and the Lheidli T’enneh flag.

(at right,  a cake  rimmed with mini Union Jacks)

The event wrapped with  the Cantata  Singers,  singing God Save the Queen  ( all verses) and a ceremonial march  out of the area by the Legion Colour  Guard,  RCMP, and Prince George Fire Rescue.

(Below, the march in)