This year in 2022, Queen Elizabeth II is set to make history. She is to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee - the first-ever such anniversary in England's and the United Kingdom's long history. The commemoration will mart the 70th anniversary of the accession of the Queen to the throne. She is already the longest-reigning monarch in British history and one of the longest in the history of European monarchs.
The plans for this historic anniversary have only just been formally unveiled in full by Buckingham Palace on 10 January 2022. One doesn't need to wait for the celebrations to see the iconic changing of the guard in London!
Queen Elizabeth II and Her Very Long Reign
Queen Elizabeth II is also the head of state of a number of other countries around the world - like New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. Australia has already announced a range of events are to be held and one can expect other countries to announce their own celebration plans soon too.
- Accession: Queen Elizabeth II Has Reigned Since 6 February 1952 And Coronated Since 2 June 1952
- Age: Queen Elizabeth II is 95 Years Old
- Platinum Jubilee: 70th Year Anniversary
- First: Queen Elizabeth II Will Be The First In British History To Celebrate A Platinum Jubilee
- Holiday Weekend: 2 to 5 June
According to the BBC, there will be "Street parties, a concert with some of the world's "biggest entertainment stars" and a chance to see the Queen's homes up close..."
In the United Kingdom, there will an extra bank holiday (public holiday), in addition, the usual Spring bank holiday in the UK will be moved from the end of May to the start of June. This, coupled with the weekend, will create a four-day Jubilee bank holiday weekend in June.
- Beacons: Over 1,500 Platinum Jubilee Beacons Are To Be Lit Throughout the UK and its Territories
The British government is planning a "once-in-a-generation show" and will be the best of British royal pomp and ceremony - together with "cutting edge artistic and technological displays." And a dedicated website Platinum Jubilee Gov has been created (see there for updates).
A Very Long and Record-Breaking Reign:
- British Monarch: The Longest Lived and Longest Reigned British Monarch In History
- Female Head of State: The Longest Serving Female Head of State In History
- Current Monarch: The Oldest Living and Longest Reigning Current Monarch
- Incumbent Head of State: The Oldest and Longest Serving Incumbent Head of State
A New Platinum Pudding
The celebrations begin on the 30th of May with a competition to invent a new pudding to celebrate the monarch's long reign. The finalists for the expert panel will include Dame Mary Berry and Masterchef's Monica Galetti. The winning pudding will be made available to the public and will be enjoyed at Big Jubilee Lunches over the holiday weekend.
One can enter the competition and submit one's own Platinum Pudding recipe on their website (one should be a UK resident aged 8 and over). The British really do love their puddings!
The Queen's Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour)
One will be able to witness the pomp and ceremony of British Royalty with the Queen's Birthday Parade. See over 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians all gather together to mark the Queen's official birthday.
- Soldiers: 1,400 Parading Soldiers
- Horses: 200 Horses
- Musicians: 400 Musicians
The Parade will begin at Buckingham Palace and then move down The Mall to Horse Guard's Parade. They will be joined by Members of the Royal Family on horseback and in royal carriages.
There will be a traditional RAF (Royal Air Force) fly over that the Queen will watch from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
The Planned Schedule of Celebrations
10 January: Plantinum Pudding Competition Starts
12 to 15 May: More Than 500 Horses and 1,000 Performers Will Take Part in a 90-Minute History-Telling Show At Windsor Castle
2 June: Trooping The Colour (Tickets Are Available on this site) + Liting Of The Platinum Jubilee Beacons
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3 June: Service of Thanksgiving For the Queen's Reign At St Paul's Cathedral
4 June: The Queen And Members of the Royal Family Will Attend the Derby Held At Epsom Downs Followed by A Platinum Party at Buckingham Palace
5 June: People Are Invited To Enjoy The Big Jubilee Lunch With Street Parties Across the UK, Ending The Day With The Platinum Jubilee Pageant
July: Three More Displays Marking The Queen's Accession, her Coronation, and Her Jubilees Will Be Held At Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse
If one is planning to visit London over this time, then plan on the country being electric and alive with celebrations as the country celebrates its first Platinum Jubliee in its history. This is an opportunity for first-timers to experience London like never before.