Sapphire jubilee facts for kids
A Sapphire Jubilee is a very special celebration! It marks 65 years since a king or queen started their reign. Imagine being in charge for that long! The word "sapphire" comes from the beautiful blue gemstone. This term became well-known in 2017 when Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom celebrated her 65th year as queen.
Before 2017, people usually thought of a sapphire anniversary as 45 years. This was true for wedding anniversaries and other royal celebrations like the Silver (25 years), Golden (50 years), and Diamond (60 years) Jubilees. But for 65 years, the "sapphire" name was created especially for Queen Elizabeth II.
Who Celebrates a Sapphire Jubilee?
Not many monarchs rule for 65 years or more! It's a very rare achievement. Here are some of the kings and queens who have reached this incredible milestone in recent history:
| Notable Person | Year of Jubilee |
|---|---|
| King Louis XIV of France | 1708 |
| King Ferdinand III of Sicily | 1824 |
| Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria-Hungary | 1913 |
| Prince Johannes II of Liechtenstein | 1923 |
| King Sobhuza II of Swaziland | 1964 |
| King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) of Thailand | 2011 |
| Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth Realms |
2017 |
See also
- Hierarchy of precious substances
- List of longest-reigning monarchs
- Wedding anniversary
