Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II |
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The National Carillon, Canberra lit in royal purple to mark the start of the Platinum Jubilee year
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| Genre | Jubilee of Commonwealth monarch |
| Date(s) | 6 February 2022 |
| Country | |
| Previous event | Sapphire Jubilee of Elizabeth II |
The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II was a big celebration in 2022. It marked 70 years since Queen Elizabeth II became Queen on February 6, 1952. This special event was celebrated across the Commonwealth.
In the United Kingdom, there was an extra long weekend. A usual holiday was moved to create a four-day break from Thursday, June 2, to Sunday, June 5. The British government promised a "once-in-a-generation show." It combined traditional British ceremonies with new artistic and tech displays. This was the first time any British monarch celebrated a Platinum Jubilee.
Other Commonwealth countries also planned events. These included Australia, Canada, the Cayman Islands, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.
Contents
The Queen's 70th Anniversary
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.
On her special anniversary, the Queen shared a message. She hoped the Jubilee would bring people together. She said it was a time to think about the kindness shown to her. This kindness came from people of all ages and backgrounds around the world. She thanked everyone for their support and signed the message "Your Servant."
Pictures of the Queen working at Sandringham House were shared. Prince Charles also released a statement. He said the Queen's dedication to her people was very inspiring.
Leaders from many countries sent their congratulations. These included US President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Celebrations Around the Commonwealth
For the first time, special Jubilee Beacons were lit. They were lit in every capital city of each Commonwealth country. This marked 70 years of the Queen's rule.
The 2022 Commonwealth Games baton had a platinum strand. This was to remember the Queen's Platinum Jubilee year.
The Royal Mint and the Royal Canadian Mint made special coins. They created a two-coin set to celebrate the Jubilee. Members of the Royal Family also visited Commonwealth countries. These trips were part of the Jubilee celebrations.
Australia
Queen Elizabeth II is the first Australian monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee. Many events were held across Australia. They showed respect for the Queen's 70 years of service. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said they would hold events throughout 2022.
Australian Events
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.
Australia released special stamps and coins. Important buildings were lit up in royal purple. This marked the start of the Jubilee year. A tree planting program was also launched. The government gave money to groups for tree planting events.
Governors in Victoria and New South Wales hosted special events. They included receptions and tree plantings. On February 6, many buildings across Australia glowed in royal purple. This was to mark the Queen's 70th anniversary.
Clockwise: the High Court of Australia, the John Gorton Building, the National Portrait Gallery, and the National Library of Australia.
The Australian House of Representatives congratulated the Queen. Prime Minister Morrison noted she had reigned over many Australian Prime Ministers. The Leader of the Opposition, Anthony Albanese, also praised the Queen.
Parliament House offered special tours. These tours showed art of the Queen from their collection. They included the famous Wattle Queen painting.
In June 2022, Aspen Island in Canberra was renamed. It became Queen Elizabeth II Island. This island has the National Carillon, which the Queen opened in 1970. New Queen Elizabeth Water Gardens were also created nearby.
Australians could send personal messages to the Queen. More events were planned throughout 2022.
Church Services
On February 6, 2022, churches across Australia held services. They celebrated the Platinum Jubilee. The governor-general attended a service in Canberra. Governors in other states also attended services. Many services featured music from the Queen's coronation.
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Bahamas
Two lignum vitae trees were planted in Nassau. This was to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the Bahamas in March. They met communities and attended a parade.
Belize
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also visited Belize in March. They explored ancient Mayan sites. They also celebrated the culture of the Garifuna community.
Canada
This Jubilee was the first for a Canadian monarch in modern times.
Planning in Canada
The Canadian government planned many events. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Queen about the plans. Provinces and other groups also prepared celebrations.
A special emblem was created for the Jubilee in Canada. It showed the Queen's royal symbol and the number 70. The emblem had seven sides, maple leaves, and pearls. These represented each decade of the Queen's reign. A Platinum Jubilee Flag was also made.
The government offered grants to help fund community projects. This helped local groups celebrate the Jubilee.
Canadian Accession Day Events
Canada launched its Jubilee celebrations on February 6, 2022. Prime Minister Trudeau and Mary Simon, the governor general, sent messages. They congratulated the Queen on her reign.
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.
Flags were raised at government buildings. Church services were also held across Canada.
Canadian Tributes
The Royal Canadian Mint released special coins. Canada Post issued a commemorative stamp. It featured a picture of Queen Elizabeth II. A display of Canadian money and stamps was shown at the Canadian Museum of Nature.
The Royal Canadian Geographical Society created commemorative items. A special pin of the Jubilee emblem was also made.
Gardens were planned across Canada. Each of the 13 gardens would have plants suited to the local weather. These gardens honored the Jubilee.
Jamaica
On Accession Day, the Governor-General of Jamaica, Sir Patrick Allen, congratulated the Queen. He said she was a "symbol of quiet strength."
A Platinum Jubilee Medal was given to public service members. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Jamaica in March. They met with the Jamaican Defence Force. They also celebrated Jamaican music.
New Zealand
Emblem in New Zealand
New Zealand unveiled its Jubilee emblem on Accession Day. It had the Queen's royal symbol. It also had a Maori phrase meaning "three twenties plus ten." This referred to her 70-year reign. The design showed "steps of service" over seven decades.
Commemoration in New Zealand
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern congratulated the Queen. She said the Queen cared deeply for New Zealand. The government donated $1 million for tree planting programs.
A 21-gun salute was fired in Wellington. This marked the 70th anniversary. Prime Minister Ardern also moved a motion in Parliament. It congratulated the Queen on her Jubilee.
A plaque was put up in Te Awamutu. It remembered the Queen's visit in 1954.
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 planned Jubilee celebrations. Governor-General Bob Dadae announced that the Princess Royal would visit in April.
On Accession Day, Governor-General Dadae said Papua New Guineans were proud of their Queen. There were also talks about protecting rainforests in her honor.
United Kingdom
The UK government set aside money for the Jubilee celebrations.
Emblem in the UK
The UK Jubilee emblem was announced in August 2021. It was designed by 19-year-old Edward Roberts. The emblem used a regal purple color. This color matched the Queen's Coronation robe. A continuous platinum line formed St Edward's Crown. The number "70" was at the top. The font used meant "forever."
The Queen's Green Canopy
The Queen's Green Canopy campaign started in May 2021. It asked people to plant trees. This made the environment greener and honored the Queen. Prime Minister Boris Johnson encouraged everyone to "Plant a Tree for the Jubilee."
Jubilee Stamps and Coins
In January 2022, the Royal Mint released special coins. These included 50p coins and £5 crowns. Both coins showed the Queen on horseback.
In February 2022, the Royal Mail released eight new stamps. They featured photos of the Queen throughout her reign. They showed different royal duties, like the Trooping the Colour.
Events Before June
A "Platinum Pudding" competition was launched. It aimed to find a new dessert for the Jubilee. The winning recipe would be shared with the public.
The Queen viewed memorabilia from past jubilees. She also hosted a reception at Sandringham House. She met Angela Wood, who helped create Coronation chicken in 1953.
Prime Minister Johnson and others congratulated the Queen. Outdoor billboards across the UK lit up for the Jubilee. Special church services were held.
Gun salutes were fired on February 7. These marked the 70th anniversary. Salutes happened in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Northern Ireland.
The Royal Windsor Horse Show had a special tribute to the Queen. It featured horses, dancers, and actors like Helen Mirren.
Central Weekend
The UK had a four-day bank holiday weekend. This was from June 2 to June 5. It celebrated the Queen's 70-year reign.
The Queen's birthday parade, Trooping the Colour, was held on June 2. Over 1,400 soldiers and 200 horses took part. The event ended with a Royal Air Force flypast. Jubilee beacons were lit across the UK and its territories.
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On June 3, a service of thanksgiving was held at St Paul's Cathedral.
On June 4, the Queen attended the Derby at Epsom Downs. A concert called 'Platinum Party at the Palace' took place at Buckingham Palace. The public was invited to attend.
On June 5, people were encouraged to have a 'Big Jubilee Lunch'. A pageant with 5,000 people took place. It celebrated the Queen's reign with street arts and music. A 'River of Hope' parade featured flags with children's drawings.
Pubs and bars could stay open longer. Sandringham and Balmoral were open for visitors.
Displays and Exhibitions
Special displays were held at royal residences. These included Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. They showed the Queen's portraits, jewelry, and robes.
St Paul's Cathedral had an exhibition. It explored jubilees of British monarchs. The Royal Mint Experience showed the Queen's reign through coins.
The Imperial War Museums displayed photos of the Queen with the Armed Forces. The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead had an exhibition of photos from past jubilees.
Historic Royal Palaces created a garden in the Tower of London moat. It was called "Superbloom" and featured millions of flowers.
Other Tributes
A Platinum Jubilee medal was created. It was given to people in public service. The Queen also gave city status to several towns.
The Royal Collection Trust published a photo collection. It also produced special Jubilee wine bottles.
A statue of the Queen was planned for York Minster. Reading Buses unveiled a special Jubilee bus. A train engine was painted purple and renamed "Elizabeth II."
Primary school children in the UK received a free book. It celebrated the UK and Commonwealth over 70 years.
Crown Dependencies
Guernsey
Guernsey Post released special stamps. Girlguides planted 70 trees. Guernsey had a four-day bank holiday. A competition was held to design a unique Guernsey Platinum Jubilee flag.
The Jubilee beacon was lit at Castle Cornet. A concert was shown live at Government House. Arts Sunday featured stalls and music. Schools planted "a tree for every class." Students received a commemorative 50p coin.
Jersey
Jersey issued commemorative coins. A stamp was also issued. The bailiff of Jersey sent congratulations. Churches rang bells for 15 minutes. Public events were planned for early June.
A 21-gun salute was fired. The Queen's birthday reception was held. Beacons were lit at Glacis Field. A motoring festival and a concert were also planned. A service was held at the Town Church.
Isle of Man
The Isle of Man Post Office released a new stamp collection. Schoolchildren planted 70 trees. These trees were species found at Buckingham Palace.
British Overseas Territories
Bermuda
The governor of Bermuda hosted a tree planting ceremony. Seventy trees were planted to celebrate the Queen's 70-year reign.
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands Government launched many activities. The governor and premier released statements. An exhibition opened at the National Museum.
A special sitting was held at the House of Parliament. A 70-second moment of silence was observed. Church bells were rung.
The Cayman Platinum Cake Competition was launched. The winning recipe would be served at the Queen's Birthday party.
In June, beacons were lit. An outdoor concert and an air show were held. Trees were planted as part of The Queen's Green Canopy. A Thanksgiving Service was held. A children's tea party took place. The Queen's Birthday was celebrated with a parade and garden party. Fireworks lit up 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.
The governor and chief minister of Gibraltar paid tribute to the Queen. The Union Flag was flown. A gun salute was fired. Gibraltar also had a four-day Jubilee weekend.
Saint Helena
The Governor declared June 3, 2022, an extra public holiday. This was to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.
Other Countries
France
The Princess Royal planted a tree in Paris. This was to remember the Jubilee.
Slovakia
In Žilina, Slovakia, a memorial Jubilee tree was planted. This happened on November 3, 2021. Nigel Baker, the British Ambassador, planted it. This was the first Jubilee tree in Central Europe.
Qatar
The Countess of Wessex planted a tree at the British Embassy in Qatar. This was to commemorate the Queen's Jubilee.
Republic of Ireland
Prince Charles and Camilla visited the Republic of Ireland in March. This was part of the Jubilee celebrations.
Romania
Margareta, Custodian of the Crown of Romania, sent a letter to the Queen. A plaque was unveiled for a tree planted in honor of the Jubilee. The tree was a weeping hornbeam.
See also
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
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Jubilee beacon lit in New Zealand
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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
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Buildings lit in Sydney for the jubilee, June 2022
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lighting the jubilee beacon in Canberra
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The Duchess of Cambridge meeting Bahamians during a walkabout in downtown Nassau, during the platinum jubilee tour of The Bahamas
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Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Nova Scotia)
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Platinum jubilee lapel pin
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The Duchess of Cambridge (left) arriving at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, during the platinum jubilee tour of Jamaica
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Tree planting at Government House to launch the Trees that Count Legacy Project for the jubilee, May 2022
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Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaking at the platinum jubilee service of celebration at Wellington Cathedral of St Paul on 3 June 2022
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The Countess of Wessex meeting schoolchildren during her Platinum Jubilee Tour of Saint Lucia
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Platinum Puddings displayed at a British Library event in May 2022
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Stephen Kerr congratulating the Queen at the Scottish parliament, 9 February 2022
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RFA Mounts Bay moored at Greenwich in London during the jubilee weekend
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The Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge riding in a carriage at Trooping the Colour
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Platinum jubilee parade in Newmarket on 3 June
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The Great Field platinum jubilee parkrun, Poundbury, Dorchester
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Drones forming a corgi above Buckingham Palace during the jubilee concert
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A garden was created in the moat to celebrate the jubilee on 30 May 2022.
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Platinum Jubilee medals
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A platinum jubilee postbox topper at Bury St. Edmunds, England
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The Guernsey Platinum Jubilee Flag
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Families from the British Embassy, Washington, planting trees along Massachusetts Avenue to mark the jubilee, May 2022
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