ON October 25, 1896, George III lost his place in English history as the longest reigning monarch.
He was displaced by Queen Victoria. George III’s accession occurred on October 25, 1760.
He ruled until his death on January 29, 1820, a reign of 59 years 13 weeks and six days. Queen Victoria’s accession took place on June 20, 1837.
While she was described as someone who “retains all her faculties of mind”, George III was both blind and insane, and his reign for the last nine years was carried on by the Prince, who at his death, succeeded to the dynasty under the designation of George VI.
Queen Victoria was born on May 24, 1819 and ascended the throne on June 20, 1837.
“In order that the prolonged and happy reign of the Queen may be fittingly commemorated by a loyal people in a befitting manner, the national rejoicing has been fixed in the British Isles,” The Fiji Times of September 23, 1896 reported.
The colonies, including Fiji, participated in festivities on the same day, June 20, 1897, the 60th anniversary of her accession.
In Fiji, celebrations included the opening of Victoria Gardens.
Schoolchildren were present and so were members of the masonic fraternity, the famous Suva band, guests, citizens and members of the security forces.
“Though one of the smallest of Her Majesty’s possessions and farthest away from home, our feelings of loyalty are not one with less than the feelings of those who are nearest home.
Our love for our queen is pure and sincere,” The Fiji Times quoted the warden of Suva, A Duncan, as saying.
Acting Governor Sir George O’Brien, in opening the gardens, said: “It is here in Fiji that the sun first rises on the British Empire, to travel hence through it for 18,000 miles, to sink to rest for a while in the waters of British Columbia, having in its course shone over 11,000,000 square miles of British territory and upon 400,000,000 British subjects.”
About 10.30am, the gardens were officially opened.
