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The Queen's Birthday

6/7/2018

8 Comments

 
PictureQueen Elizabeth II
Many of Australia’s public holidays are different from those in the United States, so I have eagerly anticipated each one and the chance to learn something new.  

This Monday, 11 June, is the public holiday for the Queen’s Birthday. Australia’s states and territories celebrate it on the second Monday in June with two exceptions. The state of Western Australia celebrates the public holiday on 24 September, while Queensland waits until 1 October.

The holiday is celebrated because Australia is a constitutional monarchy and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The official head of state is Queen Elizabeth II, the Monarch of the Realms. She is also the head of state of Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, and many other countries and territories. Crowned in 1952, Queen Elizabeth II is now the longest reigning British monarch in history.

I discovered that Queen Elizabeth’s real birthday is April 21, 1926. If her birthday is in April, then why do we celebrate in June? History provides the answer.  

In 1788, Australia celebrated for the first time a public holiday to mark the Monarch's Birthday on King George III’s birthday. The holiday continued to be celebrated on the actual date of the monarch’s birthday until 1936, when King George V, Elizabeth’s grandfather, died. His birthday was 3 June and since then the holiday has been celebrated in early June.

While tradition seems to account for the June date, I’ve also read speculation that celebrating on the Queen’s actual birthday would place the holiday too close to Easter and ANZAC Day.

The Queen’s Birthday is celebrated with sporting events, including an Australian Football League (AFL) game played between the Collingwood Magpies and the Melbourne Demons at the Melbourne Cricket Club. Public fireworks displays and parades are also part of the festivities. In Canberra, the Royal Military Academy at Duntroon holds the Queen’s Birthday Parade every year. The Queen’s Birthday honors list is released as well. This list includes the new members of the Order of Australia along with those who have received honors from the Australian government or the Queen. The Queen’s Birthday also marks the official start of the snow season in the mountains of New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, and Tasmania.

This long holiday weekend features lots of things to see and do, and I’m looking forward to celebrating the Queen’s Birthday.


8 Comments
Diane
6/7/2018 03:57:28 pm

Sounds like it is more like “President’s Day” versus a birthday.

Reply
Rose
6/7/2018 04:18:32 pm

Yes, I think you’re right, Diane. Not having the celebration on the actual birthday is similar to Presidents Day. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment!

Reply
Eva Perlman
6/8/2018 05:42:03 am

Thank you, Rose, for another informative blog! I really enjoy reading your blogs. My mantra is that I must learn at least one new thing everyday. i am way over quota today, thanks to you!

Looking forward to my next lesson!

Best,

Eva

Reply
Rose
6/8/2018 01:45:37 pm

Eva, thank you for the kind words about the blog. I have the same mantra: learn something new every day (particularly while I'm here, to make the most of this experience). I am so happy that you're enjoying the posts. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment!

Reply
Lillian
6/11/2018 02:28:16 pm

Thanks for all the latest pictures and info about one of my favorite places in the world. You have gotten to be a fantastic photographer as well as writer. Diane is here at the moment and I needed her to locate your blog and put it where I can find it easily again. Life is going at a faster pace every day for me and I count my blessing for opportunities I have had.
Thanks for your help to jog my memory.

Reply
Rose
6/11/2018 05:23:23 pm

Thanks, Ms. Lillian! I am so glad you are enjoying the photos and the blog. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment!

Reply
Lillian
6/12/2018 06:21:03 am

I just wish Milo could write and share comments too.

Rose
6/12/2018 05:05:44 pm

Ms. Lillian, I absolutely agree with what you said about Milo. I too wish he could share his thoughts with us. I'm sure there are some interesting things going on in that mind of his, and it would be intriguing to view Australia from his perspective. :)

Reply



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    Rose Ciccarelli is an American writer and editor living in Canberra, Australia.

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