“Make sure you are invisible,” whispered Orak as the Gifted Four got down from the tempus machine.
It was 5th February. They had traveled nine days back in time to Sandringham. The celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the ascension of Queen Elizabeth II were about to begin! She is the Queen of the United Kingdom (UK) and 14 other Commonwealth realms.
A Commonwealth realm refers to a state that has Queen Elizabeth II as its monarch and head of state. But it continues to function as an independent state. These realms include Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and so on.
“When did she become the Queen?” said Felix.
“Queen Elizabeth ascended the throne on 6th February 1952,” said Verum, “At that time, she was in Kenya, a country in Africa, for an international tour when her father, King George VI passed away.
But Queen Elizabeth wasn’t always destined to be the Queen. Her father ascended the throne in 1936 only when his older brother, King Edward VIII abdicated (gave up) the throne.”
“Oh, and then she even became the longest-ruling monarch in the history of Britain,” said Scorch.
“Yes! The Queen continued to perform her official duties till October 2021! She was well into her nineties then. But due to health issues, she was instructed to rest and she withdrew from the public eye.
“Look! The celebrations are about to begin,” Orak, “The local communities have arrived at the Queen’s residence in Sandringham on her invitation.”
Scorch added, “And there is Angela Wood! She was a cookery student who helped to create the Coronation Chicken along with food writer Constance Spry and chef Rosemary Hume. It’s a curry and mayonnaise-based dish invented in 1952 to celebrate the Queen’s coronation.”
“I am really excited about the celebratory cake. A local baked it for the Queen who will cut it!” said Verum.
“Of course, you’re going to think about cake,” said Felix affectionately, “I am looking forward to the concert band. It’s going to play ‘Congratulations’.”
The Mysticals had a great time joining the Queen’s 70th anniversary celebration!