Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II |
|
|---|---|
The National Carillon, Canberra lit in royal purple to mark the start of the Platinum Jubilee year
|
|
| Genre | Jubilee of Commonwealth monarch |
| Date(s) | 6 February 2022 |
| Country | |
| Previous event | Sapphire Jubilee of Elizabeth II |
The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II is being celebrated in 2022 in the Commonwealth to mark the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February 1952. The celebration plans were formally unveiled in full by Buckingham Palace on 10 January 2022.
In the United Kingdom, there will be an extra bank holiday, and the usual Spring bank holiday will be moved from the end of May to the start of June, to create a four day Jubilee bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June. The British government has promised a "once-in-a-generation show" that will "mix the best of British ceremonial splendour and pageantry with cutting-edge artistic and technological displays". This is the first time that any British monarch has celebrated a platinum jubilee.
Initiatives to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee were also announced by the governments of other Commonwealth nations and territories, including Australia, Canada, Cayman Islands, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.
Contents
- The Queen's Accession Day 2022
- Celebrations throughout the Commonwealth
- Other countries
- See also
- Images for kids
The Queen's Accession Day 2022
As I look ahead with a sense of hope and optimism to the year of my Platinum Jubilee, I am reminded of how much we can be thankful for. These last seven decades have seen extraordinary progress socially, technologically and culturally that have benefitted us all; and I am confident that the future will offer similar opportunities to us and especially to the younger generations in the United Kingdom and throughout the Commonwealth.
In her Accession Day message, the Queen said that she hopes the Platinum Jubilee will bring together families and friends, neighbours and communities. She said that the Jubilee "affords me a time to reflect on the goodwill shown to me by people of all nationalities, faiths and ages in this country and around the world over these years". She thanked everyone for their support, loyalty and affection, and signed the message "Your Servant".
Picture and footage of the Queen working from her red boxes at Sandringham House were released to mark Accession Day. The Prince of Wales released a statement in which he said that the Queen's devotion to the welfare of all her people inspires still greater admiration with each passing year.
Tributes and messages of congratulations came from leaders all over the world, including US President Joe Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, King Harald V of Norway, King Vajiralongkorn of Thailand, UAE President Sheikh Khalifa, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
Celebrations throughout the Commonwealth
For the first time, Jubilee Beacons will be lit in every capital city of each Commonwealth country to mark 70 years of the Queen's reign.
The Queen's Baton for the 2022 Commonwealth Games features a platinum strand along its length to commemorate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee year in 2022.
To commemorate the Jubilee, the Royal Mint and the Royal Canadian Mint partnered to create a two-coin set, with each mint designing a coin for the set. The silver coin designed by the Royal Mint has an equestrian portrait of the Queen on the reverse and a royal mantle on the obverse. The silver coin designed from the Royal Canadian Mint has a reverse design that depicts the Queen in 1952, while the obverse has the effigy of the Queen used on Canadian coins since 2003.
Members of the Royal Family will undertake a series of royal tours of Commonwealth countries to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
Antigua and Barbuda
To mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, the Earl and Countess of Wessex will visit Antigua and Barbuda in April.
Australia
Queen Elizabeth II is the first Australian monarch to celebrate a platinum jubilee. A range of national and community events will be held in Australia to mark the Queen of Australia's 70 years on the throne. "We plan to hold a range of events to coincide with key dates throughout 2022, to show our respect and appreciation for seven decades of service", Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.
Australian commemorations
The Crown is above politics, and she has upheld that throughout her reign. A unifying force that highlights good causes and brings people together. And in the moments of trial and testing times that she has known over her life, both personally and as Monarch and Sovereign, she speaks for us all and to us all.
Commemorative stamps and coins will be released in Australia to mark the milestone. Monuments around the country will also be illuminated, and the lighting of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Beacon will take place in Canberra. The Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has also launched a tree planting initiative to commemorate the Jubilee. The Australian Government will provide up to A$15.1 million of grant funding in 2022 to eligible groups and organisations for community-based tree planting events.
On 3 February, the governor of Victoria hosted a reception to commemorate the Jubilee at Government House, Melbourne. Those in attendance included representatives from Victorian organisations the Queen and other members of the Royal family have a connection to. On 5 February, the governor of New South Wales hosted a tree planting and garden reception to commemorate the Jubilee, at Government House, Sydney. The governor planted a red oak to mark the Jubilee.
On 6 February, buildings, vice-regal residences, and monuments throughout Australia were lit in royal purple to mark the 70th anniversary of the Queen's accession, and the start of the Platinum Jubilee year. Statements to mark the Jubilee were released by Morrison and Governor-General David Hurley. Tributes were also paid by the governors of the Australian states.
Clockwise: the High Court of Australia, the John Gorton Building, the National Portrait Gallery, and the National Library of Australia.
On 7 February, the governor of Tasmania hosted a reception for the Royal Over-Seas League and other Commonwealth societies to mark the Jubilee.
On 8 February, a motion introduced by Morrison was passed by the Australian House of Representatives, in which the House offered their "warmest congratulations" to the Queen on her Platinum Jubilee. In the speech, Morrison said, "Her Majesty has been the reigning sovereign for 15 Australian Prime Ministers, 16 Governors-General, 14 British Prime Ministers, around 170 Commonwealth Prime Ministers, and also seven James Bonds - one of whom Her Majesty worked with very closely". The Leader of the Opposition, Anthony Albanese, also offered his congratulations, and said "She is a Queen who has let her humanity show, she has been with us in times of hardship even as she has endured her own".
From 5 February to 27 February, Parliament House will host guided tours to commemorate the Jubilee. The guided tours, titled "Platinum Jubilee in portrait", centres around artistic representations of the Queen from the Parliament House art collection, and features Sir William Dargie's Wattle Queen, the statue of the Queen in the Queen's Terrace Café, and other artistic representations of the Queen throughout Australian history, including the State Opening of Parliament in 1954 and 1974 and the opening of Parliament House in 1988.
On 13 March, Government House, Brisbane will host an open day to commemorate Jubilee, allowing the public to tour parts of the building and the gardens of the Fernberg estate.
A proposal for the government of Queensland to commission a new statue of the Queen to mark the Jubilee was submitted by Jarrod Bleijie, an MP of the parliament of Queensland.
Australians will be able to submit a personal message to the Queen for reaching the milestone. Further events, activities, and celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee in Australia will be announced throughout 2022.
Accession Day services
On 6 February 2022, Accession Day services were held in churches across Australia to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. In Canberra, a Festal Evensong was held at St Paul's Church, Manuka, which was attended by the governor-general of Australia.
In Victoria, a service to mark the Platinum Jubilee was held at St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne, which was attended by the governor of Victoria. In St Kilda, Victoria, a Choral Evensong to celebrate the Jubilee, was held at All Saints Anglican Church, which featured music from the Queen's coronation. Services were also held in St Bridgid's Catholic Church, Cowwarr, and St John's Church, East Malvern.
In New South Wales, a Choral Eucharist was held at St James' Church, Sydney to mark the Jubilee, which was attended by the governor of New South Wales. Services were also held in St Paul's Anglican Church, Burwood, and Christ Church St Laurence. St Andrew's Cathedral marked the Jubilee through prayers and hymns at all services.
In Western Australia, a Choral Evensong was held to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee at St George's Cathedral, Perth. The governor of Western Australia attended the event and paid tribute to the Queen in his address.
In South Australia, a service was held at St Paul's Anglican Church, Port Adelaide. A Choral Eucharist was held at St Peter's Cathedral, Adelaide, to mark the Jubilee, and was attended by the governor and the premier of South Australia.
In Queensland, a Choral Evensong was held at St John's Cathedral, Brisbane, to mark the Jubilee.
In Tasmania, a service to mark the Jubilee was held at St David's Cathedral, Hobart. It was attended by the governor of Tasmania.
Events in June
.jpg)
In June 2022, Aspen Island in Canberra's Lake Burley Griffin, an island lying within the Parliamentary Triangle and which features the National Carillon, will be renamed Queen Elizabeth II Island during a special event. "Given the National Carillon was officially opened by Her Majesty in 1970, it is only fitting that Aspen Island should be renamed in recognition of her many years of service to Australia", said Morrison. The ceremony will also include dedicating the new Queen Elizabeth Water Gardens, which will transform the nearby foreshore as well as improve water quality.
Bahamas
At the Retreat Garden National Park in Nassau, two lignum vitae trees were planted on 28 January to commemorate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. Participants of the tree planting included the members of the Bahamas National Trust, the UK High Commission in Nassau, and crew members of HMS Medway. The British High Commissioner said, "2022 will be a busy year of activity, with the Platinum Jubilee of our shared Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II, linking the UK and The Bahamas in celebration. It is great to have HMS Medway visiting and planting a tree to kick us off in January".
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit the Bahamas from 24 to 26 March to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. During their visit, the couple will spend time with communities across the Bahamas and attend a world famous junkanoo parade.
Belize
To mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit Belize from 19 to 22 March. During their tour, the couple will visit historic Mayan sites, celebrate the culture of the Garifuna community, and explore Belize's biodiversity.
Canada
The Jubilee is the first time in Canada's modern era that a Canadian monarch celebrates a platinum jubilee.
Planning
A series of initiatives to commemorate the Jubilee have been organised by the federal government of Canada. On 11 June 2021, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had a virtual audience with the Queen, where they discussed preparations for the Canadian celebrations of the Platinum Jubilee of 2022. Provincial governments also started planning for the Jubilee in 2021. Private organisations in Canada, like the Canadian branch of Rotary Club, are also preparing their own celebrations.
An emblem for the Platinum Jubilee in Canada was created by the Fraser Herald of Arms and registered with the Canadian Heraldic Authority in August 2021. The emblem includes Elizabeth II's royal cypher above a light grey coloured numeral 70; the light grey being an allusion to platinum. The cypher and numeral are surrounded by a seven-sided figure, adorned with maple leaves and pearls. The seven sides, maple leaves, and pearls represent each decade of the Queen's reign. Multiple elements of the seven-sided figure also symbolise celebration, with the rounded edges shaped being shaped like a flower petal and the maple leaves being positioned in a manner that resembles fireworks. A Platinum Jubilee Flag that features the emblem on a white background was also created, and it will be flown at government houses and events throughout the Jubilee year.
The Department of Canadian Heritage has created a program that provides a $5,000 grant to help fund community-based projects and celebrations in Canada in honour of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. As Canadian Heritage considers the Jubilee an anniversary of significance for the country, larger initiatives will also be eligible to apply for the Commemorate Canada grant.
Accession Day events
Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Canada were launched by Canadian Heritage on 6 February 2022. On the same day, Trudeau and Mary Simon, the governor general of Canada, issued statements congratulating the Queen on her reign, and to mark the Platinum Jubilee. Congratulatory statements to the Queen were also made by lieutenant governors, provincial premiers, and the Speaker of the Senate of Canada. The CEO of the Canadian Nurses Association and the Royal Canadian Geographic Society also extended their congratulations to the Queen on behalf of their respective organisations.
Much has changed in the last seven decades. We extended the hand of friendship to nations around the world. We made advancements in medical research, most recently with vaccines. We established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and took part in its work. We saw the first Canadian named governor general, then the first woman and now, the first Indigenous person.
Flag raising ceremonies for the Queen's Personal Canadian Flag and the Platinum Jubilee Flag occurred at Rideau Hall and several provincial legislatures and government houses. Accession Evensong services were also held in a variety of churches of the Diocese of British Columbia and the Anglican Diocese of Toronto, with the lieutenant governor of Ontario attending a service in Cathedral Church of St. James in Toronto.
Canadian tributes
The Royal Canadian Mint plans to release a series of coins to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee, including the two-coin Jubilee set, and a one-ounce platinum coin. Canada Post issued a commemorative stamp for the Jubilee, which features a profile of Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin. To commemorate the Jubilee, a display of Canadian currency, postage stamps and specimens of platinum will be exhibited at Canadian Museum of Nature.
The Royal Canadian Geographical Society and Canadian Geographic have created a series of commemorative pieces in honour of the Jubilee. The first commemorative pieces of the series were released on 6 February. A pin of the Platinum Jubilee emblem is also being produced and distributed by the Monarchist League of Canada throughout the Jubilee year.
The Lieutenant Governor’s BC Journalism Fellowship and the Lieutenant Governor’s Art & Music Award were launched by British Columbia's lieutenant governor as a part of the province's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Several Government Houses in Canada have events planned for the Jubilee. Government House in Regina, Saskatchewan plans to host an exhibit about the Queen's connection to the province, and another on the making of the portrait of the Queen that was commissioned for the Diamond Jubilee in 2012. The Alberta Legislature Building will have on-site tours and displays planned for the Jubilee.
In February 2022, as part of Winterlude 2022, an Ice Sculpture will be unveiled at Sparks Street to honour the Platinum Jubilee. Plans are also in place to decorate Ottawa's ByWard Market in purple in the Queen's honour. Ottawa's Confederation Boulevard will also be decorated in Jubilee colours during the spring.
Events throughout summer
A new segment commemorating the Jubilee will be added to the annual Northern Lights sound and lights that runs from June to September on Parliament Hill. Historical photos of the Queen's tours of Canada will be displayed through dynamic animation during her reign. A Canadian Heritage exhibition commemorating the Jubilee, The Queen and Canada, is also planned to operate during those months at Château Laurier. The exhibit features images of the Queen in Canada throughout her lifetime.
Prior to the lighting of the Canadian Jubilee beacons on 2 June, bagpipers across the country will play the bugle calls Diu Regnare and Majesty. On the same day, a specially-scripted proclamation honouring the Queen's reign is planned to be read by town criers in multiple cities across Canada. Other major federal buildings are also planned to be illuminated on that day in commemoration of the Jubilee throughout Canada.
Plans are in place during the summer for lieutenant governors and territorial commissioners to dedicate gardens in honour of the Platinum Jubilee in their respective province/territory. Each of the 13 gardens will include plants suited to the local climate. Tobacco was also included where climate and protocols allow, providing the gardens with a representation of the relationship between the Crown and Indigenous peoples of Canada through its treaties. Tobacco seeds were provided to vice-regal offices from plants grown for the Chapel Royal at Massey College. The Ontario Platinum Jubilee Garden will be planted on the grounds of the Ontario Legislative Building in Toronto. Platinum Jubilee gardens in New Brunswick and Saskatchewan will be unveiled at their respective Government Houses. In Yukon, the Jubilee Garden will be unveiled at Taylor House on 3 June.
The city of Sarnia and the Sarnia Historical Society plan to hold a garden lunch and tea event to mark the Jubilee on 4 June. In Dawson City, a Jubilee celebration is planned at the local museum on 11 June, and a Jubilee Picnic at the Commissioner's Residence on 13 August. In Aurora, Ontario, a commemorative bench for the Platinum Jubilee will be placed at Queen's Diamond Jubilee Park, and a date during the town's Concerts in the Park series will be dedicated to the Jubilee as a musical tribute.
Grenada
To mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, the Earl and Countess of Wessex will visit Grenada in April.
Jamaica
On Accession Day, the Governor-General of Jamaica, Sir Patrick Allen, congratulated the Queen on reaching the milestone. He said that since her accession in 1952, the Queen has become "a symbol of quiet strength and stability throughout the Commonwealth realms".
A Platinum Jubilee Medal will be presented to members of the Jamaica Defence Force, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Department of Correctional Services, the Jamaica Fire Brigade and the Emergency Medical Services.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit Jamaica in March to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. During the three-day visit, which will take place from 22 to 24 March, the Duke and Duchess will meet members of the Jamaican Defence Force and celebrate the legacy of Bob Marley and other Jamaican musicians.
Malta
Commemorative coins were commissioned by the Central Bank of Malta to commemorate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. The coins were minted by the Royal Dutch Mint.
New Zealand
Emblem
On Accession Day, the New Zealand Platinum Jubilee emblem was unveiled. The emblem, approved by the Queen, was prepared by Phillip O'Shea, New Zealand Herald of Arms. Within a platinum five-sided frame is the Queen's royal cypher, with the Maori inscription "Te Hokotoru Mā Ngahuru", which means "three twenties plus ten", an allusion to the Queen's seventy year reign. In the base, the years 1952 and 2022 are in gold, and is placed on the Poutama step design in the traditional colours of red-ochre and white. The design represent "steps of service", namely, the seven decades of public service by the Queen.
Commemoration
On Accession Day, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern congratulated the Queen and said "As Queen of New Zealand, she has always shown a deep personal interest in the life and wellbeing of our nation. On behalf of all New Zealanders I would like to wish her well for this historic year". Prime Minister Ardern announced that the government will donate $1 million to Trees That Count to assist with tree planting programmes across New Zealand to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
From Point Jerningham, Wellington, a 21-gun salute was fired by personnel from the 16th Field Regiment, Royal New Zealand Artillery, on 7 February to mark the 70th anniversary of the Queen's accession.
On 9 February, Prime Minister Ardern moved a motion in the House of Representatives congratulating the Queen on her Platinum Jubilee, and said that the Queen "has a deep knowledge of Aotearoa New Zealand and cares sincerely for the wellbeing of our nation". The Leader of the Opposition Christopher Luxon said that the Queen's reign has "strengthened the role of a modern monarchy and the important part that it plays in our constitutional arrangements and our system of parliamentary democracy".
At Te Awamutu, a plaque will be erected to commemorate the Jubilee as well as the Queen and Prince Philip's visit to Te Awamutu in 1954. The plaque, which has been approved by the Queen herself, will be erected on the old Te Awamutu Post Office building.
Papua New Guinea
Despite personal tragedies and setbacks in both her personal and public life, the Queen had continued to hold fast to her duty and service throughout the last 70 years. As a nation, we are indeed proud to have the Queen as our Head of State. A nation of a thousand tribes and cultural diversity in a land of diverse biodiversity, we join our voices to congratulate our Queen and Head of State on achieving this historic milestone.
The Government of Papua New Guinea has devised plans to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in Papua New Guinea. Governor-General Bob Dadae announced that the Princess Royal will visit the country in April to mark the Platinum Jubilee. The visit will take place from 11 to 13 April.
On Accession Day, Governor-General Dadae reflected on the Queen's life and said that Papua New Guineans are proud to have Elizabeth II as their Queen.
Considerations are being made to reserve a portion of Papua New Guinea's rainforests in honour of the Queen, given how she is "passionate for the preservation of rainforests".
Saint Kitts and Nevis
On Accession Day, the Governor-General, Sir Tapley Seaton, congratulated the Queen on behalf of the government and people of Saint Christopher and Nevis on reaching the milestone.
Saint Lucia
To mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, the Earl and Countess of Wessex will visit Saint Lucia in April.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
To mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, the Earl and Countess of Wessex will visit Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in April.
United Kingdom
Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced in the March 2021 budget that £28 million will be allocated to fund the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022.
Emblem
The emblem for the Platinum Jubilee was announced in August 2021, following a competition which was judged by industry experts. The winning design was created by 19-year-old graphic design student Edward Roberts from Nottinghamshire. Roberts said at the time: "It's just an amazing feeling to win it, I couldn't believe I'd won it really. I thought I had achieved something by getting to the top 100 so to win it – I was over the moon."
The regal purple used in the emblem has been closely matched to the purple in the Queen's Robe of Estate, worn by her at the Coronation in 1953. A continuous platinum line in the shape of St Edward's Crown features the number "70" at the top of the Crown, signifying the Queen's 70-year-reign and her Platinum Jubilee. Roberts included a circle to border the Crown, to create the impression of a royal seal. The emblem's typeface is Perpetua, which means "forever", and is similar to the font style that appeared on the Queen's Coronation Order of Service in 1953.
The Queen's Green Canopy
The Queen's Green Canopy campaign was launched in May 2021, ahead of the Jubilee in 2022. The campaign invites people from the United Kingdom to plant a tree to make the local environment greener, and to commemorate the milestone and serve as a "special gift" to the Queen. In a statement, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson said, "As we celebrate Her Majesty's incredible 70 years of service, I encourage everyone to get behind this scheme, and go 'Plant a Tree for the Jubilee'." As of January 2022, approximately 60,000 trees were planted for the campaign.
Jubilee stamps and coins
In January 2022, to mark the Jubilee, the Royal Mint released commemorative 50p coins and £5 crowns. The 50p coin is designed to feature the Queen's royal cypher within the 0 of the number 70 on the reverse. The £5 crown features the quartered shield of the Royal Arms on the reverse. Both coins show the Queen on horseback on the obverse.
In February 2022, the Royal Mail released eight new stamps to commemorate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. The new set of stamps features photographs of the Queen throughout her reign, which commemorate different aspects of her royal duties, from the Trooping the Colour to worldwide tours.
Commemorations before June
The Platinum Pudding competition was launched on 10 January 2022 by The Big Jubilee Lunch and Fortnum & Mason throughout the United Kingdom to find a pudding to celebrate the Jubilee. Five finalists will be selected to prepare their creation for an judging panel, with the winning recipe being made available to the public at Big Jubilee Lunches during the Jubilee weekend.
On 4 February, pictures and footage taken two weeks earlier in Windsor Castle's Oak Room were released, and featured the Queen viewing memorabilia from this and prior jubilees. The display included a Golden Jubilee letter from a nine-year-old boy named Chris, titled "A Recipe for a Perfect Queen", which includes ingredients of "jewels, posh gowns, loyalty, hard work, healthiness, and courage". On 5 February, the Queen hosted a reception at Sandringham House for volunteer groups, pensioners and members of the local Women's Institute group. At the reception, the Queen met Angela Wood, a former cookery student that helped create the original recipe for Coronation chicken in 1953. The Queen's Accession Day message was released later that evening.
On Accession Day, Prime Minister Johnson, the Leader of the Opposition Sir Keir Starmer, the Archbishop of Canterbury and many others released statements congratulating the Queen on the milestone. Tributes were also paid by former British prime ministers. Outdoor billboards across the United Kingdom, including Piccadilly Circus, were lit up to mark the Jubilee. Special services were held in cathedrals to mark the anniversary of the Queen's accession. In Exeter Cathedral, the choir sang an anthem written for Queen Elizabeth I by the 16th century English composer William Byrd as part of its service.
Gun salutes were held on 7 February to mark the 70th anniversary of the Queen's accession. A 41-gun salute was fired by the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery in London's Green Park. At the Tower of London, the Honourable Artillery Company fired 62 rounds. A 21-gun salute was fired at Edinburgh Castle by 105 Regiment, Royal Artillery. In Wales, a gun-salute was fired inside the grounds of Cardiff Castle, organised by 160th (Welsh) Brigade. In Northern Ireland, the Reservists of 206 Ulster Battery Royal Artillery (RA) based in Newtownards and Coleraine fired a 21-gun salute at Hillsborough Castle.
On four evenings from 12 to 15 May 2022, the 2022 Royal Windsor Horse Show at Windsor Castle, titled A Gallop Through History, will conclude with a 90-minute celebration in tribute to the Queen, featuring 500 horses and 1,000 dancers, with various senior members of the Royal Family in attendance. Actors Helen Mirren and Stephen Fry are reported to be involved, as well as "contributions from Bollywood" to mark their 75th anniversary of independence.
Central weekend
On 12 November 2020, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden announced that the late May bank holiday would be moved to Thursday 2 June and there would be an additional Bank Holiday on Friday 3 June, making a four-day weekend to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. "To honour this extraordinary historic occasion, the Government are working with the royal household and devolved Administrations on an extensive programme that will unite every generation in all 54 countries of the Commonwealth, from the south Pacific islands to the Canadian Arctic, in celebration of Her Majesty", Dowden said in Parliament.
A number of events have been planned to celebrate the Queen's 70-year reign. The Queen's birthday parade, also known as Trooping the Colour, which usually takes place on the second Saturday of June, will be held on Thursday, 2 June. Over 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians are expected to come together in the traditional parade to mark the Queen's official birthday. The event will close with the Queen and Royal Family observing a Royal Air Force flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. The tradition of celebrating royal jubilees, weddings and coronations with the lighting of beacons will continue for the Platinum Jubilee, and will take place on 2 June across the United Kingdom along with the Crown Dependencies and the British Overseas Territories.
.jpg)
On 3 June, a service of thanksgiving for the Queen's reign will be held at St Paul's Cathedral. The 2022 Corby Pole Fair will be held on 3 June, to coincide with the Jubilee celebrations.
On 4 June, the Queen will attend the Derby at Epsom Downs accompanied by other members of the Royal Family. In the evening, a concert named 'Platinum Party at the Palace' will take place at Buckingham Palace. The BBC is set to produce and broadcast the concert, and is expected to distribute it through the European Broadcasting Union; like the Diamond Jubilee Concert. The public will be invited to apply and attend the event.
On 5 June, the last day of the extended bank holiday, people are encouraged to have a 'Big Jubilee Lunch', encouraging communities to celebrate their connections and get to know each other a little better. A pageant featuring approximately 5,000 people from across the UK and the Commonwealth will take place against the backdrop of Buckingham Palace combined with street arts, theatre, music, circus, carnival and costume celebrating the Queen's reign. There will be a parade along The Mall through an array of over 200 silk flags, decorated with images of hope drawn by children, representing a 'River of Hope' as part of the Pageant outside Buckingham Palace. The 2022 Thank You Day will also be held on 5 June to celebrate the Queen's 70-year reign, and the day will see people thanking the Queen, and their communities.
In England and Wales, pubs, clubs and bars could be allowed to stay open for extra two hours over the bank holiday weekend to mark the Jubilee under government plans. During the Jubilee weekend, Sandringham and Balmoral will be open for visitors to enjoy the Jubilee festivities.
Displays and exhibitions
There will be special displays and exhibitions at the official royal residences, including Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Queen's portraits, jewellery and tiaras, and carriages will be on display at Buckingham Palace. At Windsor Castle, the Queen's coronation robe will be shown to visitors. The Palace of Holyroodhouse will display the outfits worn by the Queen for her Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees.
At St Paul's Cathedral, there will be a special exhibition from May to December 2022, titled "The Monarch and the Changing World", which will explore the Jubilees of four British monarchs: George III, Victoria, George V and Elizabeth II.
An exhibition will be held at The Royal Mint Experience, which will explore the Queen's reign through coins.
At the Imperial War Museums London, the Queen's relationship with the Armed Forces will be celebrated in an exhibition of photographs.
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead has encouraged people to send photos of street parties or memorabilia of the Queen's past jubilees as part of an exhibition, titled "70 Years 70 Photos". The exhibition will be on display around libraries, ahead of the Platinum Jubilee Central weekend in June.
Historic Royal Palaces has planned for a Commonwealth-themed garden in the historic moat of the Tower of London. The flower display, titled "Superbloom", will be held from June to September 2022. More than 20 million seeds will be sown in spring 2022.
Other tributes and events
A Platinum Jubilee medal has been created to mark the Jubilee. It will be awarded to people who work in public service, including members of the Armed Forces, emergency services, and the prison services.
As part of the Platinum Jubilee Civic Honours, the Queen will give several settlements city status. 39 places have applied in the competition.
The Royal Collection Trust has published a collection of 77 photographs under the title The Queen: 70 Glorious Years as an official souvenir publication to mark the Platinum Jubilee. It also produced custom-made bottles of wine, labeled "English Sparkling Wine: Platinum Jubilee Release" and made out of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes grown in Kent and West Sussex.
South Gloucestershire Council has suggested that the Severn Bridge be renamed in honour of the Queen's Jubilee in 2022.
A statue of the Queen is slated for installation at York Minster in 2022 for the Platinum Jubilee. The 2-metre (6.6 ft) statue will weigh approximately two tonnes.
At the Princess Royal & Duke of Fife Memorial Park, in Braemar, a new arch will be built to commemorate the Jubilee.
Reading Buses unveiled a special bus adorned in distinctive livery to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. The Platinum Jubilee bus will be seen on the streets of Reading, Windsor and London throughout the year.
To mark the Jubilee, Severn Valley Railway (SVR) announced that its 34027 Taw Valley engine will be painted in purple and temporarily renamed "Elizabeth II". The new name was chosen by public vote. The engine will be painted by April, and will return to its traditional green after few months.
The Choir of the Earth is inviting people from around the world to learn and record a new arrangement of God Save The Queen, which we will present to the Queen.
Primary school children across the United Kingdom will receive a free book in 2022 to mark the Platinum Jubilee. The book will be commissioned by the British Government and designed to celebrate the people, places, achievements of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth over the last 70 years. The book will also explore the role of the Queen and what the Platinum Jubilee represents.
Starting on 18 January 2022, GB News, a TV news broadcaster, announced that it would be playing the national anthem at 5:59 every morning before broadcasting, to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee year.
Crown Dependencies
Guernsey
To mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, a set of stamps was released by Guernsey Post on 4 February 2022. In each stamp, the Queen is wearing Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee necklace, which is said to be one of her favourite pieces of jewellery.
At Sausmarez Manor, on 22 February, more than 70 Girlguides and their families planted 70 trees to mark the Jubilee.
Plans for the Jubilee celebrations were announced on 14 February. There will be a four-day bank holiday from 2 June to 5 June to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. The Committee for Education, Sport & Culture has launched a competition for islanders to design a unique Guernsey Platinum Jubilee flag. The winning flag will be sent to the Queen on behalf of Guernsey. The Weighbridge Mast will fly the winning Guernsey Platinum Jubilee flag, and will be decorated in Jubilee bunting and feature a Platinum Jubilee emblem planting display on the roundabout in St Peter Port.
On 2 June, the lighting of the Jubilee beacon at Castle Cornet will take place. The Platinum Party at the Palace at Government House, a concert featuring some well-known entertainers, will be shown live on the big screen in the grounds of Government House on 4 June. Arts Sunday, Platinum Jubilee Celebration, will be organised by Guernsey Arts on 5 June along the seafront in St Peter Port, which will feature stalls, music and entertainment.
Other projects include Parish Jubilee planting displays; with each parish invited to plant a Jubilee display in a prominent position to win a Platinum Jubilee Floral Guernsey discretionary award. Schools will plant "a tree for every class" and a Jubilee commemorative 50p coin in a presentation pack will be gifted by the Committee for Education Sport & Culture to every student in full-time education.
Jersey
Commemorative coins were issued in Jersey to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. A stamp to mark the Jubilee will be issued on 1 June.
On Accession Day, the bailiff of Jersey sent congratulatory message to the Queen for her Platinum Jubilee. Churches and bell ringers across Jersey marked the occasion by ringing bells at noon for 15 minutes. The Bailiff's Office is planning a series of public events in Jersey which will be announced in due course.
Events to honour the Platinum Jubilee in Jersey are planned for the first week of June. On 1 June, a 21-gun salute will be fired from the Jersey Militia, and the Queen's birthday reception will be held at Government House. On 2 June, the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Beacons will be lit at Glacis Field, in front of a crowd of 5,000 people. On 3 June, the Jersey International Motoring Festival Pageant will start at 11:00 GMT, which will include a formal march by representatives from all uniformed organisations in Jersey. On 4 June, the Platinum Party at the Palace, the BBC's special live concert from Buckingham Palace will be screened. On 5 June, a service will be held at the Town Church which will be led by Mike Keirle, the Dean of Jersey. High tea on the high street and a race at Les Landes race course will also take place.
Isle of Man
The Isle of Man Post Office released a new stamp collection on 6 February to mark the Jubilee. Each of the eight commemorative stamps feature a picture of the Queen, who holds the title Lord of Mann, along with words from God Save the Queen.
At an event organised by the Douglas Borough Council, schoolchildren planted 70 trees to commemorate the Queen's 70 year reign. Trees species found on the grounds of Buckingham Palace were chosen for the tree planting, and include silver birch, flowered wild cherry, English oak, and small leaved lime trees. The trees are planted next to a new cycleway at Spring Valley alongside the edge of Douglas Golf Course.
British Overseas Territories
Bermuda
In November 2021, the governor of Bermuda hosted a tree planting ceremony to mark the Jubilee at Government House, Bermuda. The event saw 70 trees planted to celebrate the Queen's 70 year reign.
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands Government has launched a number of activities to commemorate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
On Accession Day, the governor and the premier of Cayman Islands released statements to mark the Jubilee. Premier Wayne Panton said, "Caymanians, especially our older generations, have always held Her Majesty the Queen in the highest esteem".
Caymanian celebrations began with the opening of a commemorative exhibition by the Cayman Islands National Museum on 5 February.
On 6 February, a special sitting was held at the House of Parliament to mark the Jubilee. The governor read a special proclamation to mark the start of the Platinum Jubilee, and speeches were given by the speaker of the parliament, premier and the leader of the opposition. A 70 seconds of moment of silence was observed across the Cayman Islands at 12:15 pm to mark seventy years since the passing of King George VI. During this time radio stations remained silent and church bells were rung in many churches.
- The Cayman Platinum Cake Competition
The Cayman Platinum Cake Competition was launched on 1 March 2022 to find a dessert or cake to commemorate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. 10-15 finalists will be invited to Government House on 27 April for a taste test by the judges. The winning recipe will be served at the Queen's Birthday party on 6 June.
- Events in June
On 2 June, beacons will be lit on the grounds of Pedro St. James, in Grand Cayman and at the Christopher Columbus Gardens in Cayman Brac. An outdoor concert to celebrate the Jubilee will showcase performances from the National Choir and the National Orchestra in Grand Cayman, while musical performances will take place in the Brac. On 3 June, an international air show will be held, as well as a live music concert in downtown George Town. Throughout the Jubilee weekend, trees will be planted across the Cayman Islands as part of The Queen's Green Canopy. On 5 June, a Service of Thanksgiving for the Queen's reign will take place at Elmslie Memorial Church. On the same day, a children's tea party will be held at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Park. On 6 June, Caymanians will celebrate the Queen's Birthday with the traditional parade and garden party at Government House, Cayman Islands. An evening fireworks display also will take place along Seven Mile Beach.
Gibraltar
The Queen has been, throughout Her life, an example to us all. Her presence as Queen of Gibraltar is felt keenly by all who are fortunate to live here. She has been our rock and stay over 70 years and remains in our hearts always.
On Accession Day, the governor and the chief minister of Gibraltar issued statements and paid tribute to the Queen. To mark the day, the Union Flag was flown from the Moorish Castle throughout the day. On 7 February, a gun salute was fired by the Royal Gibraltar Regiment from Grand Battery.
Like in the UK, there will be a double bank holiday on 2 June and 3 June in Gibraltar to create a special four-day Jubilee weekend of celebrations from 2 June to 5 June 2022.
Saint Helena
The Governor of Saint Helena declared 3 June 2022 as an additional public holiday to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.
Other countries
France
On 3 October 2021, the Princess Royal planted a tree to commemorate the Jubilee at Hôtel de Charost, residence of the British Ambassador to France.
Slovakia
Žilina, November 3, 2021, Carl Gustav Swensson Park. Memorial Jubilee tree on the occasion of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee was planted by Nigel Baker OBE MVO, the British Ambassador to Slovakia, together with landscape architect and founder international Tree of Peace Marek Sobola, sculptor Michal Janiga and Peter Fiabáne, mayor of Žilina. The planting was inspired by the official program called “The Queen’s Green Canopy”. This tree was very first Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee Tree in Central Europe and was planted under the official auspices of the British Embassy in Bratislava.
Qatar
On 11 January 2022, during a visit to Qatar, the Countess of Wessex planted a tree at the British Embassy to commemorate the Queen's Jubilee.
Republic of Ireland
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will visit the Republic of Ireland in March to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
Romania
On Accession Day, Margareta, Custodian of the Crown of Romania, sent a letter to the Queen on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of her accession. On 18 February 2022, Margareta and Andrew Noble, the British Ambassador to Romania, unveiled the plaque of a tree planted in honour of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee at Săvârșin Castle. The tree is weeping hornbeam. The Romanian royal family plans to paricipate in several Platinum Jubilee events throughout the year.
See also
In Spanish: Jubileo de Platino de Isabel II para niños
- Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal
- Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II
- Ruby Jubilee of Elizabeth II
- Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II
- Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II
- Sapphire Jubilee of Elizabeth II
- List of monarchs in Britain by length of reign
Images for kids
-
Jubilee beacon lit in New Zealand
-
Left to right: Governor-General of New Zealand Dame Cindy Kiro; Linda McMartin, spouse of David Hurley; Governor-General of Australia David Hurley; Governor General of Canada Mary Simon, and Simon's spouse, Whit Fraser at St Paul's Cathedral, London, for the Service of Thanksgiving for the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II on 3 June 2022
-
Buildings lit in Sydney for the jubilee, June 2022
-
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lighting the jubilee beacon in Canberra
-
The Duchess of Cambridge meeting Bahamians during a walkabout in downtown Nassau, during the platinum jubilee tour of The Bahamas
-
Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Nova Scotia)
-
Platinum jubilee lapel pin
-
The Duchess of Cambridge (left) arriving at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, during the platinum jubilee tour of Jamaica
-
Tree planting at Government House to launch the Trees that Count Legacy Project for the jubilee, May 2022
-
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaking at the platinum jubilee service of celebration at Wellington Cathedral of St Paul on 3 June 2022
-
The Countess of Wessex meeting schoolchildren during her Platinum Jubilee Tour of Saint Lucia
-
Platinum Puddings displayed at a British Library event in May 2022
-
Stephen Kerr congratulating the Queen at the Scottish parliament, 9 February 2022
-
RFA Mounts Bay moored at Greenwich in London during the jubilee weekend
-
The Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge riding in a carriage at Trooping the Colour
-
Platinum jubilee parade in Newmarket on 3 June
-
The Great Field platinum jubilee parkrun, Poundbury, Dorchester
-
Drones forming a corgi above Buckingham Palace during the jubilee concert
-
A garden was created in the moat to celebrate the jubilee on 30 May 2022.
-
Platinum Jubilee medals
-
A platinum jubilee postbox topper at Bury St. Edmunds, England
-
The Guernsey Platinum Jubilee Flag
-
Families from the British Embassy, Washington, planting trees along Massachusetts Avenue to mark the jubilee, May 2022
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
