The Glebe is buzzing with preparations for Queen Pigtoria's birthday. “Guinea pigs and monarchy are like bread and butter! Destined to be together!” explains Master Bubbles, chief coordinator for Parties 'n Pigs R Us, and graduate from the esteemed British Butler Institute. “The guinea pigs' roots in British history run very deep, very deep, indeed!” adds Master Bubbles.
Queen Pigtoria Day Celebration!
The Glebe is buzzing with preparations for Queen Pigtoria's birthday. “Guinea pigs and monarchy are like bread and butter! Destined to be together!” explains Master Bubbles, chief coordinator for Parties 'n Pigs R Us, and graduate from the esteemed British Butler Institute. “The guinea pigs' roots in British history run very deep, very deep, indeed!” adds Master Bubbles.
It began with European traders begging guinea pigs to sail with them from the Andes in the fifteenth century. Curious by nature, the furry quadrupeds agreed. “Historical records further show that guinea pigs played a pivotal role in navigation. Carbon studies have recently discovered guinea pig hair as well as excrement traces on early maps, clear evidence they were more than just passengers,” explains Fabienne Pigière, historian and author.
By the sixteenth century, Queen Elizabeth I, smitten by the delightful creatures, had secured their place in history and as popular companions among the elite and middle class across Europe. Famously, two multi-coloured guinea pigs, Floof and Fluffen, feature in both Jan Brueghel the Elder's and the Younger's paintings, including Feast of the Gods, Flora & Zephyr, Putti Dancing and Making Music, and The Return from War.
Among the younger generation, piglets feel closest to Peanuts, the agouti guinea pig who attended school with Lady Diana. Many claim Diana would not have passed maths without Peanuts, though the guinea pig is credited publicly only with providing Diana early fashion advice.
As the fabulous weekend approaches, Glebe guinea pigs will not be alone in their celebrations. World-wide preparations are being synchronized with the largest event occurring at the Pigtoria & Albert Museum in London, which will host over 500 royal pigs, as well as special guests Adele, Ed Sheeran, and Cashew from House of Cards (Season 2).
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