The Queen's Platinum (70th) Jubilee
2022 marked the Platinum 70th Jubilee of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
On 6th February Queen Elizabeth II, who was the longest ever reigning British Monarch - see Kings and Queens by length of reign, became the first to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth.
She became Queen when her father, King George VI, died on 6th February, 1952. Princess Elizabeth was 25 years old and
To celebrate this unprecedented anniversary, events and initiatives took place throughout the year, culminating in a four day UK bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June. The four days of celebrations included public events and community activities, as well as national moments of reflection on The Queen’s 70 years of service.
Thursday 2nd June 2022
- The Queen’s Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour): Over 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians came together in the traditional Parade to mark The Queen's official birthday, usually held on the second Saturday in June. Beginning at Buckingham Palace, the Parade moved down The Mall to Horse Guard's Parade, joined by Members of the Royal Family on horseback and in carriages. The Parade closed with the traditional RAF fly-past, watched by The Queen and Members of the Royal Family from the Buckingham Palace balcony.
- Platinum Jubilee Beacons: The United Kingdom’s long tradition of celebrating Royal Jubilees, Weddings and Coronations with the lighting of beacons continued for the Platinum Jubilee. A beacon chain, once used as a tool for communication, has become a symbol of unity across towns, borders, countries and continents and is often the central point of focus for any outdoor gathering or celebration.
In 1897, beacons were lit to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. In 1977, 2002 and 2012, beacons commemorated the Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees of The Queen, and in 2016 Her Majesty’s 90th birthday. Over 1,500 beacons were lit throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories.
Friday 3rd June 2022
- Service of Thanksgiving: A Service of Thanksgiving for The Queen’s reign was held at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Saturday 4th June 2022
- The Derby at Epsom Downs: Members of the Royal Family, attended the Derby at Epsom Downs.
- Platinum Party at the Palace: The BBC staged a special live concert in front of Buckingham Palace bringing together some of the world’s biggest entertainment stars to celebrate the most significant and joyous moments from The Queen’s seven decade reign.
Sunday 5th June 2022
- The Big Jubilee Lunch: The Big Lunch encouraged communities to celebrate their connections and get to know each other a little bit better, coming together in a spirit of fun and friendship. In 2022 The Big Lunch brought the Jubilee celebrations into the heart of every community. People shared friendship, food and fun with neighbours as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
- The Platinum Jubilee Pageant: Artistic performers, dancers, musicians, military personnel, key workers and volunteers united to tell the story of The Queen’s 70 year reign in an awe-inspiring festival of creativity. The London based Pageant combined pomp and ceremony, street arts, theatre, music, circus, costumes as well as cutting-edge visual technology, drawing on talent from every part of the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth.