The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Celebration

Were you left off the invitation list to the Diamond Jubilee celebrations? No need to fret, visit Victoria, British Columbia and stay at The Fairmont Empress to feel like royalty. June 2012 has been declared Diamond Jubilee month at The Fairmont Empress.

Throughout the month of June, The Fairmont Empress is celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, 60 years of reign. We have several events planned from an exclusive Diamond Jubilee Gala, 60 years of food on the Queen's China, an outdoor tea parties and dog show.

ROYAL FACTS - Did You Know...

• King George VI and Queen Elizabeth’s four week tour of Canada that included such notable events including taking the train across Canada; opening the Lions Gate Bridge; opening the Hotel Vancouver; and a visit to The Empress  directly proceeded his famous speech, as featured in the recently acclaimed screenplay.
  
• King George VI and Queen Elizabeth were the first ruling English monarchs to visit Canada and The Empress on May 30, 1939. Photos of their visit may be found in the hotel lobby of the present day Fairmont Empress.
  
• Queen Elizabeth II has visited The Empress nearly every decade of her reign.
  
• The Fairmont Empress has Royal China exclusively used for Royal Visits. It is bone white china from England with a 24-karat trim.
  
• The most recent monarchy to visit The Fairmont Empress were the Emperor and Empress of Japan.
  
• Princess Margaret climbed out on our hotel roof and perched to watch the Russian satellite Sputnik in the Victoria night sky.
  
• The Empress Tea China was originally presented to King George V in 1914 upon the opening of the Booth factory in Stoke-on-Trent, England. The china was first used by The Empress in 1939 for the Royal visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. The pattern is now produced by Royal Doulton exclusively for The Fairmont Empress.
  
• The portraits in the tea lobby are King George V and his wife Queen Mary, who originally intended to wed his brother, Prince Edward, who died of pneumonia. The portraits have been in place since the hotel opened in 1908.
  

Royal-Tea

Steeped in tradition spanning two centuries, The Fairmont Empress introduces a twist on tea known as Royal-Tea. Complementing the world renowned Afternoon Tea, Royal-Tea introduces a new course of tea. A new tea tier of three delectable cheeses from the famous cheese makers of Salt Spring Island served with a tawny port and a fresh serving honey out of the honeycombs of Chef’s honey garden served at your table side. An experience like no other, a new era of tea unfolds in Royal-Tea. CAD $89.95 per person. Starts June 2, 2012 and offered until August 31, 2012.

Book Now on OpenTable

Diamond Jubilee Gala

Bask in regal elegance for a Diamond Jubilee Ball. Known for its opulent galas and balls, The Fairmont Empress puts a modern twist on this ball in the newly renovated ballroom, formerly known as Kipling’s. THE best social address in the city, The Ivy Ballroom marks its first iconic event with Chef’s tasting stations around the room, a welcome drink for all and musical entertainment to dance the night away. Cash bar available and wear your finest threads for this stellar event. Saturday June 2, 2012, doors open at 7:30pm. CAD $90 per person/ticket, advance purchase required.

Queen's Dinner

Drawing inspiration from the Queen’s six decade reign, Executive Chef Kamal Silva will design a six course dinner with a course from each decade. From the Coronation Dinner and Golden Jubilee, to present day Diamond Jubilee, the first 40 guests who reserve for this dinner will be served off the Queen’s rare China, reserved for royal visits. Join us Tuesday June 5, 2012, from 6pm to 9pm in The Empress Room. $160 per person for a six course dinner including a glass of bubbly to toast the evening! Chef has royal culinary surprises in store for this memorable evening.

Book Now on OpenTable

Sparkling Brunch

Our exquisite new ballroom will play host to our sumptuous Diamond Sparkling Brunch in celebration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Indulge in a glass of sparkling wine while you enjoy classic British fare as well as our Empress-ive brunch offerings like Eggs Benedict, local seafood bar, Prime Rib carving station, and decadent dessert buffet from our Pastry Shop. Ivy Ballroom on June 3, 2012 – 10am to 2pm. $60 per person.

Royal Dog Show and Tea Party

Calling all princesses and princes! A royal celebration would not be complete without a dog show and tea party. In partnership with The Scruffy Dog Barkery, join us on Sunday June 3, 2012 at 2pm, for a dog show full of prancing, parades and prizes. $10 per dog with a doggy bag to take home. Afternoon Tea to go is $25 per person and available onsite. Bring a blanket, chair and your sense of fun for an afternoon of family fun! Weather dependent.

Learn More About Scruffy Dog Barkery

Fit for a Queen

Willow Stream Spa is fit for a queen no matter the occasion. Regarded on the Condé Nast list of best spas in Canada, Willow Stream is an urban oasis. Stay tuned for our special promotions and offers in June 2012.

More on Willow Stream Spa

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS TODAY

• For reservations for Afternoon Tea please reserve on OpenTable 
• For reservations in The Empress Room please reserve on Open Table
• All rates in Canadian dollars and exclude applicable taxes and gratuities. Reservations are recommended and events are subject to change. For reservations and information, 250 389 2727 or email us.