Victoria Day
Birthday for two queens
The Monday before May 25 is a national holiday in Canada. That’s when
Canadians celebrate the birthdays of two British queens born more than a
hundred years apart.
The first queen was Queen Victoria. She was born May 24, 1819. During
her long life, her birthday came to have a special meaning. The holiday
is named in her honor.
The second queen is Queen Elizabeth II, who is now the British queen.
She was born April 21, 1926. In Canada, her official birthday is
observed on Victoria Day.
But in the United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries that live
under British law, the official birthday of the queen is celebrated in
early June.
Queen Victoria ruled the United Kingdom longer than any other British
ruler. Her birthday, long celebrated as Victoria Day, is a holiday
throughout Canada.