Victoria Day

Victoria Day History

Victoria Day honours Queen Victoria, the United Kingdom's second-longest reigning monarch. The occasion gives tribute to her immense contributions in shaping the country's modern identity, as well as celebrating the British Monarchy's continued presence and relevance in society. As an important aspect of British heritage, this commemoration acknowledges the Queen's role in overseeing the expansion of the British Empire, with Canada and other Commonwealth nations also acknowledging the day as an essential part of their history.

The observance of Victoria Day can be traced back to 1845, well within Queen Victoria's reign. Initially marking the Queen's birthday, it officially became known as Victoria Day after her passing in 1901. As the United Kingdom's relationship with its Commonwealth partners grew stronger, so too did the significance of this day to the wider international community. For the British public, Victoria Day serves as an opportunity to reflect on the impact and legacy of Queen Victoria, and is a celebration of the rich cultural history that she - and the monarchy as a whole - represents.

Across the United Kingdom, Victoria Day is observed with a variety of customs and traditions, reflecting the monarchy's impact on British culture. While not marked as an official public holiday, the occasion is commemorated with various events such as parades, picnics, outdoor concerts, and other community gatherings. For those with an interest in history and the British Monarchy, this day is a chance to participate in these celebrations and deepen their understanding of Queen Victoria's role in shaping modern Britain. Victoria Day is typically observed on the Monday closest to May 24th, ensuring that the British public has ample opportunity to participate in events and activities surrounding the occasion.

Top facts about Victoria Day

• Between 1840 and 1857, Queen Victoria gave birth to 9 children (4 boys: Edward VII, Alfred, Arthur, and Leopold and 5 girls: Victoria, Alice, Helena, Louise, and Beatrice). Although Victoria was the first-born child of Queen Victoria, it was her younger brother, Prince Albert, who went on to become king following his mother's death in 1901. He succeeded his mother and became King Edward VII.
• Victoria Day is a statutory federal holiday, but provincial and territorial governments overrule federal statutes in most areas of Canada. There are four provinces in Eastern Canada (QC, NL, NS, NB) where Victoria Day is not recognized.
• There were at least six recorded assassination attempts on Queen Victoria during her reign. All the attempts were unsuccessful, and the would-be assassins were either detained or sentenced to death.
• During Victoria's reign, the British Empire expanded considerably, and by the end of her life, it covered about one-quarter of the world's land area and governed a similar proportion of the global population. She was the first monarch to be given the title Empress of India in 1876.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Victoria Day

Top things to do for Victoria Day in the UK

• Visit a summer home or cottage. Open it for the season and enjoy a BBQ with a few beers on your long weekend.
• Attend a parade in your local town or city. Most cities host a May Day parade and celebrations typically last throughout the day.
• Read Queen Victoria's Gene: Haemophilia and the Royal Family by D.M. Potts and W.T.W. Potts.
• A trip to the United Kingdom would not be complete without a visit to the royal residence of Buckingham Palace. You can also witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
• Indulge in a classic British tradition by having afternoon tea in one of the many tea rooms and hotels across the country.