Ruby Jubilee of Elizabeth II facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ruby Jubilee of Elizabeth II |
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The Queen in Ottawa in 1992 to celebrate her Ruby Jubilee and the 125th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation
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| Genre | Jubilee of British monarch |
| Date(s) | 6 February 1992 |
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| Previous event | Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II |
| Next event | Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II |
The Ruby Jubilee of Elizabeth II happened in 1992. It celebrated 40 years since Queen Elizabeth II became Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms. Unlike her Silver Jubilee in 1977, this was a quieter event. There were no big public parties. Still, some special events did take place to mark this important milestone.
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Celebrating 40 Years as Queen
Many countries released special stamps and coins. These items celebrated Queen Elizabeth II's 40 years on the throne. This included the United Kingdom, its islands, and overseas territories. Other Commonwealth realms and some former realms also joined in.
Australia's Celebrations
Royal Visit to Australia
The Queen and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, visited Australia in February 1992. They were there to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Sydney City's Council. This visit happened during her 40th year as Queen. The Queen officially opened new parts of the Sydney Town Hall. She also opened the Paddock Stand at Sydney's Royal Randwick Racecourse. This racecourse was also celebrating its 150th birthday. During this visit, the Queen officially called Randwick 'Royal'.
Australia's Prime Minister, Paul Keating, congratulated the Queen. He celebrated her 40 years on the throne. During this event, Prime Minister Keating touched the Queen's back. This was against royal rules. British newspapers called him the 'Lizard of Oz' because of it.
The Royal Ladies Coin Set
The Royal Australian Mint made a special coin set. It was made of both gold and silver. This set celebrated the Queen's Ruby Jubilee. It was called The Royal Ladies. The set had four special twenty-five dollar coins. They honored the 40th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II becoming Queen. The coins showed Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, Princess Diana, the Princess Royal, and Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon. The set also came with a special medal.
Canada's Celebrations
A statue of the Queen on horseback was ordered in 1990. It was meant to celebrate the Ruby Jubilee. It also marked 125 years since Canada became a country. The statue was shown to the public on June 30, 1992. This happened during the Queen's visit to Canada, which lasted until July 3. The statue stands on Parliament Hill. It is across from a statue of Queen Victoria, Canada's first Queen.
The Queen visited Canada for many celebrations. These included events for Canada's 125th birthday and her Ruby Jubilee. On the same day she showed her statue, the Queen also revealed two stained-glass windows at Rideau Hall. One window celebrated her Ruby Jubilee. The other marked 40 years since Canada had its first Canadian-born governor general. It also marked 25 years of the Canadian Honours System. She also gave new flags to her army group, the Canadian Grenadier Guards. The next day, she welcomed new members to the Queen's Privy Council for Canada. Then, she led the official Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill.
During that year, the Parliament of Canada also sent a message. They congratulated the Queen on her special anniversary.
New Zealand's Celebrations
On March 3, 1992, New Zealand's Parliament had a meeting. The Prime Minister, Jim Bolger, suggested a motion. It offered "warm and sincere" congratulations to the Queen of New Zealand for her Ruby Jubilee. Prime Minister Bolger said, "For 40 years the Queen has led the Commonwealth. She is a symbol of unity and a guide for our country's values." He also added, "Her life has been proper, her public service amazing. Forty years of high-level political experience deserve our love, respect, and loyalty."
The Speaker, Robin Gray, said the Queen's anniversary was on the same day as Waitangi Day. This creates a "unique bond" between the Queen and the people of New Zealand.
The main opposition party also supported the motion. It was passed by the Parliament. The Parliament also thanked the Duke of Edinburgh and other Royal Family members. They thanked them for supporting Elizabeth II as Queen of New Zealand and as Head of the Commonwealth.
United Kingdom's Celebrations
The Royal Anniversary Trust was started in 1990. Its goal was to create educational events and other activities. These would mark the Queen's Ruby Jubilee in 1992.
On Accession Day, Prime Minister John Major and the leader of the opposition, Neil Kinnock, spoke in Parliament. They congratulated the Queen on her milestone. On the same day, Queen Elizabeth II wore a purple outfit. She had a diamond and amethyst brooch. She went for a walk in Snettisham village, near Sandringham. This was to mark her 40th anniversary as Queen. People greeted her and gave her flowers.
A special party was held at the Royal Opera House on February 10, 1992. It celebrated the Queen's 40th anniversary. The Queen attended. The event included a performance of Mozart's opera, Don Giovanni.
On February 14, it was announced that Sunderland would become a city. This was part of the Ruby Jubilee celebrations.
On July 8, 1992, a tribute was held at Hampton Court Palace. It celebrated the Queen's Ruby Jubilee. The Queen and Prince Philip attended. The tribute began after a girl gave the Queen red roses. It included performances by children from around the world. They represented the Commonwealth. The Youth Ballet performed a dance called 'Royal Kitchen Mice Polka'.
A special dinner was hosted at Spencer House. Prime Minister John Major and former Prime Ministers hosted it. They were Harold Wilson, Edward Heath, James Callaghan, and Margaret Thatcher. This dinner on July 27, 1992, celebrated the Queen's 40th anniversary. The Queen, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles, and Princess Diana attended.
The Great Event Gala
A huge celebration was held at London's Earl's Court. It was called The Great Event. This gala took place on October 26, 1992. It celebrated 40 years of the Queen's rule. The Royal Anniversary Trust organized it. It was shown on TV around the world. Over 1,700 people attended, including the Queen and Prince Philip. Prince Charles and Princess Diana were also there. Many other royal family members and important leaders attended too. These included Prime Minister John Major and the leader of the Labour Party, John Smith.
The show included performances by famous singers like Dame Vera Lynn and Cliff Richard. Dancers from the Royal Ballet performed a piece from Swan Lake. More than 500 children took part in the grand finale. They represented the nations of the Commonwealth. They wore their traditional clothes. They stood on the stage to form a map of the world.
The Commonwealth Mace
During The Great Event gala, the Queen received a special Commonwealth Mace. A mace is a ceremonial staff. The Royal Anniversary Trust suggested it. Commonwealth leaders approved it in 1991. It marked the Queen's 40th anniversary on the throne. The Queen also received 52 silver-gold cups. There was one for each Commonwealth country at that time. The mace was designed by Gerald Benney. It contains five kilograms of 18-carat gold and rubies. It shows the Royal Coat of Arms, the Commonwealth Symbol, and the flags of the member countries. An expert called it "a most marvellous tribute to Her Majesty’s reign."
Elizabeth R: A Year in the Life of the Queen
A documentary film was made by the BBC. It was called Elizabeth R: A Year in the Life of the Queen. It marked the 40th anniversary of the Queen becoming Queen. The Royal family watched and approved the film. It was shown on February 6, 1992, the Queen's 40th Accession Day. It was also shown in over 25 countries. It was the most-watched documentary in British TV history. More than half of the British people watched it in 1992.
Guildhall Jubilee Lunch
On November 24, 1992, a lunch was held at the Guildhall, London. It honored the Queen's Ruby Jubilee. The City of London Corporation organized the event. Over 500 people attended. These included the Queen, Prince Philip, and Prime Minister John Major. The Queen wore a dark green dress and matching hat. She gave a speech. In it, she called 1992 her annus horribilis. This is a Latin phrase meaning 'horrible year'.
In 1992, there were several difficult events for the Royal Family. A fire badly damaged Windsor Castle. A book about Diana, Princess of Wales caused a stir. Because of these events, public opinion changed. The Jubilee celebrations were made quieter.
Also in 1992, Mauritius, one of the Queen's realms, became a republic. During a visit to Germany, some people threw eggs at the Queen. The Australian government also announced that the Queen would no longer be part of their citizenship oath.
See also
In Spanish: Jubileo de Rubí de Isabel II para niños
