One of the most famous women in the world, this 5’4”, mother-of-four, twice-annual birthday celebrator and corgi lover, has been sat in the same chair for almost 50 years. Whether you love her or hate her, the iconic figure has a big year ahead of her, starting with a visit to York on Thursday 5 April.
For the distribution of Maundy Money at the Minster, the Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh and their granddaughter Princess Beatrice, will be visiting the city. While the swarms of tourists might just make you glad to be home this Easter, or even happy to be slaving away in the library, in preparation for the royal visit I’ve come up with five ways to embrace the patriotism.
1) If you’re keen to get into the spirit and join in the festivities, head down to the myriad of gift shops the touristic city of York has to offer. The shops have been stocking up in preparation for the 15,000 additional tourists expected to flock to the city, so you’re sure to be in for a treat whilst battling through the crowds to find the perfect piece of memorabilia to quench your royal thirst. York Minster Souvenirs, situated on Minster Gates, is now stocking 15 Jubilee-themed products in anticipation of the event. With everything ranging from collectable teddies, a commemorative bowl and seasonal Christmas tree decorations, the shop has wide variety of items hoping to please enthusiastic onlookers of the royal action.
Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee limited edition bowl, £199.95. Bargain.
2) The royal visit is also in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee this June, so perhaps this is the perfect theme (and excuse) for a party. Smother your inner socialism and, in preparation for the big day, clutter your bash with a multitude of jam sponges, bunting decorations and various combinations of sweet and savoury foodstuffs on tooth picks (anyone for cheese and pineapple?).
This does, admittedly, look like a wild dinner party for the W.I.
3) If this scene makes you nauseous, perhaps the celebrations could just be a fancy dress-filled night out with a ‘Best of British’ theme.
4) Unfortunately, Geri’s iconic ‘dress’ is not available for purchase, having been sold in 1998 for over £40,000 (although the union dress from the re-union tour is yet to be flogged). If you’re desperate for patriotic garments, these are the crowning glory:
Clarks Originals Union Jack Desert Boots, £85, Asos
Union Jack Print Jeans, £65, House of Fraser Sold anywhere tacky, hopefully under a fiver
5) Anyone following the procession is sure to need some sustenance after keeping up with the quick pace set by the 85-year-old, so a pit-stop in Bettys is sure to be the order of the day. Having created Diamond Jubilee Chocolate Bears, Lebkuchen & Marzipan Royal Corgis and many other Jubilee novelties, the world-famous company are pulling out all the stops for the city’s royal visit.
Corgi and bear, available from Bettys, price unknown (but guaranteed to be extortionate)
So, whether you want to join the crowds in York later this week, or steer well clear and celebrate away from the clicking cameras, hopefully these five suggestions will make the whole thing a little more bearable.