June 3, 2012

Queen’s Jubilee Celebration Hits Southwest Florida

In honor of the Queen of England's Diamond Jubilee, the Queen's official birthday celebration; and with thanks to the many British citizens that vacation in Southwest Florida and support Southwest Florida businesses on Monday, June 4th from Noon to 1 pm, Earl Quenzel, of Quenzel & Associates, will be showcasing his authentic English hat collection and taking photos of people in his traditional British hats at no cost.

Earl Quenzel lived in London for 3 years when he was chief marketing officer for the launch of Priceline Europe. "Because of my Great Grandfather, I'm an avid hat collector," said Mr. Quenzel. When Mr. Quenzel was Chief Marketing Officer for the launch of Priceline Europe, he added several authentic English hats to his collection.

On display at Quenzel & Associates will be a Queen's Guard helmet (official regiment to the Queen), a Coldstream Guards hat (the tall Black Bear Skin worn by the guards in front of Buckingham palace), a British Bobby’s hat (a British constable’s hat), a hat from the Boers war, a traditional Bowler hat (worn by proper English businessmen) a Trilby (once viewed as tbe rich man’s hat and is often seen at horse races) and a Silk Top Hat. The Bowler and the Top Hat are both from John Lock & Company, founded in 1676. Lock holds the Royal Warrant as official purveyor to the royal family and is the official hat purveyor to Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales.

When the Quenzels lived in London, the Queen celebrated her golden jubilee. Mr. Quenzel and his wife, Colleen, enjoyed many of the public events celebrating her 50-year reign. "London was full of vigor," said Mr. Quenzel. "The party at Buckingham Palace held June 3, 2002, showcased some of the most prestigious bands haled in the past 50 years including the band Queen, Paul McCartney, Tony Bennett, Eric Clapton and many more. About 12,000 guests attended while an additional one million listened from outside the walls of the palace. It was amazing seeing how revered she is."

The Queen is Head of State of the UK and 15 other Commonwealth realms. The elder daughter of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, she was born in 1926 and became Queen at the age of 25, and has reigned for over 60 years. She and Queen Victoria (1837 thru 1901) are the only two monarchs to celebrate their Diamond Jubilee.

To have your picture taken in one of Mr. Quenzel’s hats, go to Quenzel & Associates at 12801 University Drive, Suite 2 in Fort Myers between Noon and 1 PM on Monday, June 4th.