On 21 April of this year, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 95th birthday. It won't be until this month, on Monday, 14 June, that we celebrate her birthday as well.
The British monarch has traditionally celebrated two birthdays dating as far back as the 1700s during the reign of King George, whose birthday fell in autumn, a time unsuitable for outdoor celebrations due to the weather.
A non-traditional holiday for those new to the Commonwealth or unfamiliar with the monarchy, the observed Queen’s Birthday is the day when Queen's Honours are announced and Queen's New Year's Honours are often bestowed in a ceremony in front of the Parliament in George Town.
For most residents, however, the observed Queen's Birthday just means a long weekend, with a public holiday on Monday. Long weekends in June are perfect for reading books, and if you'd like to stay on theme, why not read on theme? Next Chapter in Camana Bay carries an assortment of books — and unique gifts — perfect to celebrate the Queen, royalty and the United Kingdom in general. Here's a list of items at Next Chapter than can help you feel regal over the Queen's Birthday long weekend.
"HRH: SO MANY THOUGHTS ON ROYAL STYLE"
Are you a fan of royal style? Timeless. Classic. Get inspired and learn more about the style of the royals spanning from Diana, Princess of Wales, to Catherine (Kate), Duchess of Cambridge and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex in this bestselling book by Elizabeth Holmes.
"DARK TIDES"
Author Philippa Gregory has been called "the queen of British historical fiction," rising to fame with her celebrated novel, "The Other Boleyn Girl," which was later adapted into a film starring Natalie Portman. "Dark Tides" is the second novel in her "Fairmile" series, following up "Tidelands," and set in 1670 England.
LEATHER PASSPORT HOLDER
Prepare for your next trip to England — or anywhere else — with a leather passport holder with a map of the city of London embossed on the cover. This unisex gift can help take you to the places of your dreams.
DOWNTON ABBEY 3D JIGSAW PUZZLE
Fans of the award-winning, historical television series "Downton Abbey" can relive the hit show set in early 20th century England by building an 890-piece 3D puzzle of renowned Highclere Castle. It would be a perfect afternoon activity for a rainy day.
STAINED-GLASS DRINK SET
Nothing says "England in the summer" quite like a pitcher of Pimm's. Invented in the early 19th century by a London oyster bar owner, Pimm's is a staple at Wimbledon, the Chelsea Flower Show, the Henley Royal Regatta and summer garden parties. Here in Cayman, serve it from a pitcher and tall glasses, like this blue stained-glass drink set at Next Chapter.
About the author
Alanna Warwick-Smith is a senior marketing communications coordinator supporting the business development and real estate marketing team for Dart. Alanna has worked in Dart’s flagship development of Camana Bay for the past nine years, when she began her career working at the town’s bookstore. A lover of the written word, Alanna reads and writes poetry in her spare time, and has written content for a range of platforms in the past, including her own blog and Camana Bay Times. You can find her in line at Foster’s every morning waiting for her large iced coffee with oat milk!