There are eight 650-page volumes of the history of England sitting in a safe place in Doreen Denicola's home and she's read every one of those 5,200 pages with interest.
Denicola remembers sitting at the dinner table as a child, gazing admiringly at the regal portrait of the King and Queen of England.
Wednesday is a momentous occasion for those like Denicola, who are interested in the monarchy. That will be the day Queen Elizabeth II will tie her great-great grandmother Queen Victoria as the longest reigning English monarch. Queen Victoria reigned for 63 years, 216 days and on Wednesday Queen Elizabeth II will have reigned for the same period of time.
To honour the day, the City of Prince George will hold a celebration on the steps of city hall Wednesday at noon.
A town crier will call to the townsfolk, dignitaries will be present and the honour guard will be piped in by Sheldon Clare. Mayor Lyn Hall will give a proclamation, Chief Dominic Frederick will welcome everyone and then all are invited to enjoy a piece of celebratory cake to commemorate the day. All ladies are encouraged to wear their finery, including their Sunday best hat, headdress or fascinator - just like the royals do on special occasions.
Denicola, a proud monarchist, said she always admired how the young queen conducted herself and marveled at how strong she was, especially through adversity and tragedy like Princess Diana's death.
"It was ingrained in us that we have respect for the royal family," said Denicola.
"We grew up accepting that and recognizing that fact as I continue to do throughout my life with Elizabeth's reign. I have watched her closely all her life."
Because Denicola is that interested in the history of England, she also acquired books on the history of the monarchs who reigned between Victoria, whose reign was from June 20, 1837 to Jan. 22, 1901 and Queen Elizabeth who began her reign when her father, George VI, died on Feb. 6, 1952 to present day. Elizabeth especially appealed to Denicola because they were close in age.
"I have had such admiration for her right from the time she took her first steps out into the public," she said.
"With her joining the army the way she did and trying to do her part during the war - all that makes a pretty big impression on a teenager," said Denicola, who is 86, while the Queen is 89.
"I hold her in high esteem for the way she managed herself and the way she took hold of her responsibilities even though it must have been such a painful thing to have to do because she was very close to her father," said Denicola. "I have nothing but great admiration for Queen Elizabeth II."
