Diamond Jubilee

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Diamond Jubilee, 1897. By 1897 Victoria had surpassed George III as the longest reigning British monarch. The celebrations were restricted by her age and infirmities and the centre-piece, on 22 June, was a short service outside St Paul's, while the queen sat in an open carriage. The emphasis was on the empire—partly to recognize its spectacular growth, partly to avoid the anxiety and expense of entertaining the crowned heads of Europe. A special stand was reserved for survivors of the Charge of the Light Brigade, 43 years before. The crowds were particularly impressed by the Indian cavalry. ‘The cheering was quite deafening,’ wrote the queen, ‘I was much moved and gratified.’

J. A. Cannon

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