She won't be there to blow out her birthday candles.
But then again, Queen Elizabeth has her grandson's wedding to prepare for a week after she turns 85.
While world-wide anticipation is growing for the nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29, Victoria branch members of the Monarchist League of Canada don't want the birthday to pass unnoticed in all the excitement.
It is hosting a public birthday tea on April 10, although the queen's actual birthday is April 21.
It will be the fifth year for the Victoria branch to throw a birthday bash "to recognize what the queen does as a sovereign and as a person," said Colleen Mills, branch chair.
"She does an incredible amount of work," Mills enthused. "She's an admirable person, just in herself,"
The Monarchist League of Canada has about 160 members on the South Island, the Gulf Islands and into the U.S.
The party this year will feature a historical component.
Mandy Kray, owner and tour director of Walk Abouts Historical Tours at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, will take party-goers back through time to the Edwardian era of 1901 to 1910.
Wearing an ornate royal blue gown and wide-brimmed hat with feathers on top, Kray will speak on 103 years of tea and stories from the Fairmont Empress.
"I'm excited because we talk about the royal family quite a bit on the tour," Kray said of being involved in the upcoming royal birthday celebration.
As party goers nibble on finger sandwiches and little cakes and sip tea and coffee, Kray will speak on tradition surrounding afternoon tea.
"It's all about presentation and conversation," she said of the custom's importance.
The special occasion will also serve as an important fundraiser for the league branch as it prepares to host a number of public events in 2012 and 2013 celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, that is, 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II's reign.
The birthday party happens April 10 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the Embassy Inn, located at 520 Menzies St. Advance tickets are $18 for Monarchist League members, $20 for non-members, and are available by calling 250-656-0853.
emccracken@vicnews.com