On the morning of June 20, 1837, England’s Princess Victoria was met by Prime Minister Melbourne, who bowed in deep reverence to her. The young lady, aged 18 years, had just become Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. She succeeded her uncle, King William IV, who had died only a few hours earlier.

Victoria was Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, as well as the first Empress of India, until her death on January 22, 1901. Her reign lasted 63 years and 7 months, longer than any other British monarch before or since.

Her descendant, Queen Elizabeth II, is the only sovereign who may trump Victoria’s place in the history books. Her Majesty has already been declared to be the oldest living British sovereign at age 83, surpassing Queen Victoria’s 82 years and 4 months.

In 2012, Elizabeth will celebrate her Diamond Jubilee as Victoria did in 1897. Once the Queen celebrates this milestone, she has only 3 years and 7 months to go before she breaks Victoria’s record. It will be Elizabeth who is the longest lived, longest reigning UK monarch ever.

Many republicans are kicking up a stink over the Queen’s anniversary, declaring that they will not allow a public holiday to celebrate her jubilee. These Labour MPs equate it to celebrating “vermin”.

It is their right to protest, but it is also good manners and diplomacy to keep one’s mean mouth to themselves. How can we expect these Republicans to hold any power if this is how they behave? What would happen if, God forbid, one of them became Prime Minister, declaring on a personal note that a head of state was scum? Shameful.

Long live the Queen, and God save us from small-minded, embarrassing politicians.