Queen Elizabeth 'Will Become The First British Monarch To Celebrate A Platinum Jubliee' — Inside The 2022 Plans
June 2 2021, Published 9:48 a.m. ET
A party fit for a Queen! On Wednesday, June 2, Buckingham Palace revealed that Queen Elizabeth will mark the anniversary of her reign next year by having a huge celebration.
"In 2022, Her Majesty The Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, seventy years of service, having acceded to the throne on 6th February 1952 when Her Majesty was 25 years old," the press release, which was obtained by The Royal Observer, reads.
The message continues, "There will be year-long Platinum Jubilee celebrations throughout the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and around the world as communities and people come together to celebrate The Queen’s historic reign. Throughout the year, Her Majesty and Members of the Royal Family will travel around the country to undertake a variety of engagements to mark this historic occasion culminating with the focal point of the Platinum Jubilee Weekend in June — one year from today."
"An extended bank holiday, from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June, will provide an opportunity for communities and people throughout the United Kingdom to come together to celebrate the historic milestone. The four days of celebrations will include public events and community activities, as well as national moments of reflection on The Queen’s 70 years of service," the statement concludes.
Next year on Trooping the Colour — which will take place on June 2 — "over 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians will come 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 will move down The Mall to Horse Guard's Parade, joined by Members of the Royal Family on horseback and in carriages," the message reads. "The Parade will close 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 will be continued to mark the Platinum Jubilee. Beacons will be lit throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories. For the first time, beacons will also be lit in each of the capital cities of the Commonwealth countries to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee."
Additionally, there will be a Service of Thanksgiving on Friday, June 3, which will be held at St Paul's Cathedral. On June 4, the Queen will attend the Derby at Epsom Downs, and a special live concert will be broadcast from Buckingham Palace "that will bring together some of the world's biggest entertainment stars to celebrate the most significant and joyous moments from The Queen’s seven decade reign."
Lastly, on Sunday, June 5, The Big Jubilee Lunch will occur.
"People are invited to share friendship, food and fun with neighbours as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. A Big Jubilee Lunch can be big or small — street party or picnic, tea and cake or a garden barbecue. The Big Lunch provides tips and ideas for hosting an event," the press release says.
