On Victoria Day (May 19), visitors to Barkerville Historic Town are invited to enjoy Royal Tea with Royalty, as Queen Victoria visits the world-famous Wake Up Jake Restaurant.
In addition to the classic English warm-steeped beverage, delectable treats worthy of the Queen will be on offer, along with the opportunity to interact with Her Majesty, who will delightfully engage with her royal subjects in two official sittings.
Patrons will have the opportunity to enjoy one-on-one audiences with Queen Victoria and her Scottish consort, John Brown, as well as British Columbia’s Chief Justice, Matthew Baillie Begbie.
Red Serge-clad members of the Royal Constabulary are expected to be in attendance to keep the peace and ensure the safety of the Monarch of Great Britain and Ireland, also known as the Empress of India.
The Queen, who celebrates her birthday on May 24, is reported to be in a remarkable state of fitness and vigour, especially considering her advanced age of 195.
When reached for a statement, Her Imperial Majesty Queen Empress indicated she was “very much looking forward to her annual visit to Barkerville. While I often eschew excessive pomp and ceremony, my birthday celebration, coming as it does near the outset of each new season, is an event that I cherish, especially as it gives me the opportunity to hear the desires and concerns of the citizens of the Colony.”
There are two official sittings at the Wake Up Jake Restaurant for the Royal Tea — at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Tickets for the event can be purchased at the Visitor’s Reception Centre upon entry into Barkerville Historic Town.
Barkerville opened for the new season on May 15 with an all-new street interpretation program, along with expanded mining discourses that describe the workings involved with hydraulic mining in Barkerville.
Visitors will also, for the first time since 1864, have the opportunity to meet Billy Barker himself.
From season opening until the end of the month of May, admission to the Historic Site is by donation. For more information, visit barkerville.ca.