Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee is due in one year’s time and will be marked by an extended Bank Holiday for her subjects.
What does a platinum jubilee mean? By the time the big date rolls around, Her Majesty will have spent 70 years on the British throne. She was handed the epic responsibility on February 6th, 1952, following the death of her father George VI.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee means a long weekend for Britain and the Commonwealth
From Thursday, June 2nd to Sunday, June 5th, 2022, high-profile events are being held for the public. The royal family’s website says these provide “national moments of reflection on the Queen’s 70 years of service.”
Things kick off in style with Trooping the Colour, otherwise known as the Queen’s Birthday Parade (even though her birthday is actually April 21st).
This regal display of horses and hats is making a comeback, following two years off due to COVID-19. No less than 1,400 soldiers are going to be out on parade, accompanied by 200 steeds. Familiar to attendees and TV viewers in the U.K. and across the globe, the route takes Her Royal Highness down The Mall and toward Horse Guard’s Parade.
The Queen and her family have hopped onto horses many a time. Whether she plans to brave a few trots on the day isn’t known…though even at 95, Queen Elizabeth II is a keen rider. Then it’s up to the famous balcony in order to watch the RAF’s traditional flyby.
Did you know that beacons were lit in Britain and beyond to pay tribute to monarch-related milestones? 2022 is no different. In a royal first, Commonwealth capital cities are hosting beacons. “Light ‘em up!” as Her Majesty might say. She doesn’t say that, we’re sure, but it’s fun to imagine her doing so.
Thank you for your service Ma’am
Friday, June 3rd is a relatively quiet day by comparison. A special service is being held at the iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Saturday brings on the horses again, this time for the Derby. Tickets are sure to gallop away.
Things get a bit showbiz later on with the Platinum Party at the Palace. Celebrity performances are yet to be revealed, but one look at the bill for previous parties shows they probably won’t skimp on the swank.
Legendary acts Queen (who else?), Sir Tom Jones, Sir Paul McCartney, Annie Lennox, Shirley Bassey, and Cliff Richard are among those who’ve appeared to pay their musical respects to Her Majesty in the past.
The Diamond Jubilee took place during a noteworthy year, 2012. It was then that London hosted the Olympics, which began with an extraordinary live performance directed by Danny Boyle. He put the Queen in the frame with Daniel Craig, 007 himself, for a memorable filmed opening.
The Big Jubilee Lunch and The Platinum Jubilee Pageant get the public involved
In 2022, long-running event The Big Lunch is joining forces with the Jubilee. Mixing with neighbors and uniting your community in celebration — and of course consumption — will be encouraged. Though how much of that goes on depends on what happens with the pandemic!
Live performances and art are taking place around Buckingham Palace for the Platinum Jubilee Pageant. More than 5,000 people are reportedly part of the show, which celebrates the public’s contribution to daily life as much as Her Majesty’s.
According to the royal website, celebrations will last throughout 2022. Vanity Fair expects “far more pomp, circumstance, and crowds of well-wishers.” CNN notes that the Jubilee fun “will likely be attended” by the public.
A competition is being launched that’s emblematic of everything Queen Elizabeth II stands for
A competition has also been announced to design an official Platinum Jubilee emblem. This public scheme is being organized in conjunction with the Victoria and Albert Museum, as well as the Design Museum and the Royal College of Art.
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The Platinum Jubilee is notable for being the Queen’s first without her husband Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away in April.
As Great Britain emerges from a truly terrible period, it’s hoped the Jubilee will lighten the mood and remind people of their home and heritage.