Watch above: When driving into Asquith, Sask., visitors are welcomed to the “Centre of the British Empire.” Meaghan Craig takes a look at how this small community celebrates Queen Elizabeth II as she becomes the longest serving monarch.
ASQUITH, Sask. – We are now all part of history. Wednesday marked a major milestone in time as Queen Elizabeth II became the longest reigning monarch in British history.
Addressing Scottish Borders, it is now 23,226 days and counting for the 89-year old monarch since her accession to the throne in 1952.
“Inevitably, a long life can pass by many milestones, my own is no exception but I thank you all and the many others at home and overseas for your touching messages of great kindness.”
READ MORE: She reigns supreme: Queen Elizabeth II surpasses Queen Victoria in length of service
Millions have watched Royal Family coronations, weddings, their baby announcements and now this.
Royal subjects as far away as Asquith, Sask., a humble town of 650 named after a British peer and known as the Centre of the British Empire, celebrated this historic moment.
“I think this is momentous occasion so it’s very important that she has something like this to remember,” said Lori Dufort, who brought her four-year-old granddaughter to the ceremony.
In attendance at Lord Asquith School was Asquith Mayor Gail Enhart.
“We’ve always learned about the Queen, we sing O’Canada every day. I think it’s really important to know who our Queen is.”
Barb Heineke, a member of the Red Hat Society, calls the day hugely memorable and appreciates how much the Queen has been able to keep up with the times.
“They’re fascinating to watch, they’re interesting people.”
A small ceremony held behind the school marked the major milestone. Many in the crowd shared memories of the times Queen Elizabeth II visited the province and the country.
“I saw her twice, once when I was a little girl and once when I was older,” said Sharon Smutt,
“It was so awesome to see them.”
Conservative MP Kelly Bock said she’s never had the chance to met the Queen but came close.
“She came out to Ottawa and I had the privileged of attending a tea at Rideau Hall,” said Block of an event on Canada Day 2010.
“It was amazing to be that close to the queen and it was a great experience.”
At the Britannia Restaurant on main street, Wednesday’s special consisted of English fish and chips to commemorate the Queen’s landmark day.
“When I was with the Saskatoon Police Service, I did some point duty of course for her procession,” remarked owner Jim Madden, who said he was stationed that day at Spadina and Queen Street.
“That’s about the closest I ever got to the Queen.”
Queen Elizabeth II has now surpassed her great, great grandmother Queen Victoria, who served for 63 years and seven months.
“I think for her to remain on the throne this long and done the type of job that she has which I think is absolutely remarkable is really something. For her to surpass Queen Victoria as a sitting monarch is something in itself,” said Madden.
“Good on her I say and I hope she has a few more years left.”
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