Canada: Diamond Jubilee exhibit shows the queen through the ages

As Britons celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s 60 years on the throne this weekend, Anglophiles can mark the Diamond Jubilee without having to leave the Pacific time zone.

Beginning Friday and running through Sept. 3, the Royal BC Museum in Victoria, Canada, is presenting an exhibit of portraits and informal photographs of the queen.

The photos by royal photographer Sir Cecil Beaton – some never before publicly displayed – depict Elizabeth as a princess, monarch and mother. Beaton first photographed the girl who would become queen when she was a teenager in 1942. He was repeatedly invited to photograph her during the next three decades, including making photos of her at her coronation on June 2, 1953.

The photos, which are from the collection of London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, are supplemented by excerpts from Beaton’s diaries and letters. Also included are old radio broadcasts and films.

Museum admission, which is about $21 for adults and $15.40 for youths (6-18) and students (19 and older with valid student ID) includes the special exhibit.

Info: Royal BC Museum, (888) 447-7977