Following the Death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8th September 2022 we have decided to leave this Platinum Jubilee article unchanged as a small but lasting reminder of the service and achievements of our longest serving monarch.
Denisa&Mark – Let me show you London
This year, 2022, marks the Queens Platinum jubilee meaning Her Majesty Elizabeth II has ruled for seven decades. Precisely 70 years ago, on the 6th of February 1952, the reign of George VI ended and his daughter Elizabeth II became the Queen. The 6th of February is known as Accession Day and every year on this day a gun salute is performed at one of the Royal Parks.
The whole country, and of course all the Commonwealth countries, will participate in the celebrations. We understand the biggest celebrations are to be held during the big Jubilee weekend. Check out our list of the major events below, but there will be lots of smaller activities throughout the country to celebrate this momentous occasion.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
The Queen’s Birthday Parade – 2nd June
By tradition, the Queen celebrates her birthday in June. This celebration is called Trooping the Colour and it takes place at Horse Guards Parade. The ceremony is very intricate and takes several months of careful practice before the main event.
Beginning at the Palace, the Parade will move down The Mall to Horse Guards Parade. The Royal Family will join the parade on horseback and in carriages. Over 1 400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians are involved, they represent the 3 Armed forces (Army, Navy and Royal Air Force)
The Parade will close with a traditional RAF fly-past. This will be watched by the Queen and members of the Royal Family, from the famous balcony of the Palace.
Platinum Jubilee Beacons
A special ceremony will be held at Buckingham Palace to light up the principal beacon and celebrate the events beginning.
Then over 1,500 beacons will be lit all over the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories. For the very first time, each of the capital cities of the Commonwealth Countries will light up a beacon in an honor of her Majesty.
Find more information about ways to see the Beacons.
Download a guide about taking part with your own Beacon
Service of Thanksgiving – 3rd June
St Paul’s Cathedral will host the Service of Thanksgiving for Her Majesty. This service is closed to the public and will be attended by the invited guests only. We are awaiting further details about a broadcast of the Service.
Saturday 4th June
The Derby at Epsom Downs
Her Majesty and other members of the Royal Family will attend the Cazoo Derby at Epsom Downs, a famous racecourse just outside London.
The Queen has always been very fond of horses and attending a horse race is her favourite pastime. She has owned hundreds of racehorses throughout her life, her first big winner was Carroza, winning the Epsom Oaks at Epsom in 1957!
“Epsom Derby 2010 – Workforce cantering down to the start” by monkeywing is marked with CC BY 2.0.
Platinum Party at the Palace
The BBC will host a unique Party at the Palace. Some of the world’s most famous names will perform live. There’s a chance to be involved in the fun with the event set to be open to the public, maybe it’s your chance to mingle with the Royals!
The whole concert will be broadcast by the BBC, so you can enjoy the fun from home too.
Sunday 5th June
Celebrate The Big Jubilee lunch
The whole country is invited to join in. People across the UK will gather in their homes, streets, and parks for their own Queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations. Street parties, picnics, and BBQs are some of the activities that the nation will take part in.
The Platinum Jubilee Pageant
Dancers, performers, musicians, military personnel and volunteers will unite to tell the story of the Queen’s 70-year reign. The London based pageant will combine pomp and ceremony, theatre, music, circus, street arts as well as cutting edge visual technology.
The River Hope will appear on The Mall. With over 200 silk flags flowing down The Mall, to create the illusion of a real river.
Other events for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
The Queen’s Green Canopy
People and organisations across the UK have been involved in The Queen’s Green Canopy. Planting of large solitary trees, majestic avenues of trees, urban planting and the creation of new forests have been underway over the last few months.
Over 60,000 trees were planted in this project, by individuals, Scouts and Guides, Communities and Groups. The initiative focused on sustainable planting, not only to improve areas today but to look longer-term, creating a legacy for future generations.
The Queen’s Green Canopy project also protects over 70 ancient trees and woodlands that are a valuable part of the UK’s nature, heritage and history.
The Platinum Jubilee Pudding competition
In January 2022 the famous shop, carrying the Royal Warrant, Fortnum & Mason launched a nationwide baking competition. The aim was to find the brand new pudding dedicated to the Queen. Anybody from the UK aged 8 and above was able to participate and over 5,000 people submitted entries. Eventually, five finalists were chosen by executive chef Roger Pizey and chef director Sydney Aldridge and Palace Chef Mark Flanagan. The rules were simple; to create something that everybody can make in their kitchens and have exciting flavours.
The 5 finalists will participate in a programme hosted by BBC, airing on May 12th. The competition is to be judged by The Duchess of Cornwall and Dame Mary Barry, once a winner is chosen, the recipe will be available to the public. A win for all lovers of pudding!
Royal Collection Trust
The Royal Collection Trust will be hosting three special displays, all connected with the long reign of her Majesty.
- Buckingham Palace
Each year the Palace is open to the public for two summer months only (book your tickets here), including a special themed exhibition. This year’s theme is obvious and celebrates the platinum jubilee.
Several portraits that were taken between the years 1953 and 1956 will be on display. Alongside the portraits, viewers will appreciate other personal items, mostly jewellery worn by her Majesty for the sitting of these paintings.
- Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is the home of her Majesty and she very much likes to spend time in her residence. To honour the Queen’s reign, Windsor Castle is putting together a display reminding us of the robes that her Majesty wore on the day of the coronation.
- The Coronation Dress
- Robe of Estate
- Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Scottish Official Royal residence follows the example of Windsor castle and will show outfits worn at other major jubilees:
- Silver (25 years)
- Gold (50 years)
- Diamond (60 years)
Superbloom at the Tower of London
The Tower of London is also taking part in the celebration of the Platinum Jubilee in a very special way.
The moat around the castle that has been dry for centuries will be transformed into a beautiful garden called The Superbloom. Thousands upon thousands of bulbs have been planted and will be shaped into a spectacular floral design.
The tickets are already on sale on the Tower of London’s official website.
The display will run between June 1st and September 18th.
We hope this has given you a good overview about what is happening during the Jubilee. When you are visiting London, we would love to show you around. Feel free to browse our London Tours to plan your journey in the city. If you’re visiting during the Jubilee we might even be lucky enough to spot some of the Royal family as the move around town!
If you have any more questions about the Jubilee or London in general, feel free to contact us.
