4 minute read
Gwinnett Celebrates the Queen’s Jubilee
By Victoria R. Crosby
Queen Elizabeth II, the monarch of Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and fifty-four countries of the Commonwealth, celebrated her 96th birthday on April 21st. That birthday should not be confused with her “official” birthday in June that is celebrated then as the weather in England is better in June than April – although not always!
It seems somewhat ironic that Americans fought for their independence from King George lll, but today they all seem to adore the Queen, who is celebrating seventy years on the throne. She is the longest living reigning monarch in the world, and was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records following the death of the King of Thailand at age 88 in October 2016.
As someone who grew up in England, I have become more interested in the Royal Family since living in the United States. Just like many Americans whose ancestors came from other countries, we enjoy both our American citizenship and heritage of origin.
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor wasn’t born to be queen. She was born a princess, the eldest daughter of Prince Albert, the Duke of York, second son of King George V. Prince Albert became King George VI when his brother the Prince of Wales, briefly King Edward VIII, abdicated after only three hundred and twenty-five days on the throne, to marry a twice-divorced American woman. At eleven years old Princess Elizabeth then became next in line for the throne. King George died at the age of fifty-two when she was twenty-five years old, and she became the queen at his death.
Her coronation was the following year on June 2, 1953. At that time she was married to Prince Philip and had two young children, Prince Charles and Princess Anne.
On April 23, 2022, which was also St. George’s Day, the patron saint of England (the one who slayed the dragon), and William Shakespeare’s birthday, crowds of Brits and anglophiles filled the streets of Historic Norcross to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The Fish and Chip truck had a long line of people waiting to purchase their favorite British treat, and people were asked to come dressed as their favorite Brit, such as The Queen or members of the Royal Family, James Bond, Austin Powers, Harry Potter, Adele, or one of the Beatles. Some people did, but most wore T shirts with the British flag, or pictures of the Queen, and many ladies wore hats or fascinators. I was dolled up in my British flag sweater with a necklace of flags and earrings made from old English coins.
The British-style afternoon tea, a charity event to benefit Mountbatten House, a home for the elderly, was hosted by the Oglethorpe Chapter of DBE (Daughters of the British Empire) a National Organization of women of British birth or heritage. I am now a member of the Runnymede Chapter in Georgia, and a former DBE President in New York State.
Held at The Rectory at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., the tea very quickly sold out, and the Jubilee memorabilia at A Taste of Britain was selling like the proverbial hot cakes!
The ceremonies began with a bagpiper, who marched up and down bands drawn from local artists – check. And, of course, the addition of Cellar means the Lawrenceville community and surrounding areas can enjoy the exquisite ambiance of a truly cultivated and tailored dining experience.
But Cosmos isn’t just feeding its community. They have worked hard to come alongside the people they have grown to love as family. Events like the Cosmos Classic, a benefit designed to raise funds for cancer patients, was a smashing success earlier in the year. You may have also recognized the Cosmos team at the Family Promise of Gwinnett Bed Race in downtown Lawrenceville. Coming up, Cosmos is excited to partner with the Lawrenceville Co-op for Christmas in July, where they will help to host and run a food drive to aid underserved people in the area.
No matter where you’re going or what you’re in the mood for, Cosmos is a must on your list of stops to make. Try some of their authentic Italian food or catch a game with some friends – whatever you do, do it at Cosmos.
More information at pizzaoncrogan.com or call (770) 338-9274
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