The Platinum Jubilee is just a few days away now! On Thursday, 2 June, the festivities will be opening with Trooping the Colour, a staple. And the celebrations will continue through Sunday, 4 June. Like Trooping, there are some traditional elements. However, there are also some “newer events” as well, like the street party at Buck House. Ahead of the big weekend, I’m looking at the Diamond Jubilee today! The Queen’s 60 year anniversary was a massive celebration, too…
The Diamond Jubilee
Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, marking 60 years on the throne. Although 6 February 2012 technically started her Jubilee year, different events were held in May and June of that year. Following the 2011 wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, the Royal Family was riding a significant wave of popularity. (Not to mention the 2012 Olympics shortly followed!)
Thames Diamond Jubilee River Pageant
On 3 June 2012, we got to enjoy the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant! This was one of my favourite royal events in my lifetime, over 650 boats paraded down the River Thames to celebrate the Jubilee. It was the largest parade of boats in history, and military, commercial, and personal crafts all took part. MV Spirit of Chartwell, a barge, carried the royals, including The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry. Unfortunately, as spectacular as it was, the weather was rather terrible with wind and rain.
Diamond Jubilee Concert
What would a Jubilee be without a concert? In the evening on 4 June, a massive concert was held on The Mall. Performers included Paul McCartney, Alfie Boe, Robbie Williams, Ed Sheerhan, and Elton John. Estimations for the crowd place over 500,000 spectators watching from The Mall, not including those watching on television!
Diamond Jubilee Service of Thanksgiving
On 5 June 2012, the National Service of Thanksgiving for The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee was held at St. Paul’s Cathedral. There is often a Service of Thanksgiving for notable royal anniversaries, they are a standard event. However, this event was different- Prince Philip was absent. Because of the aforementioned rain and cold at the River Pageant, he was in the hospital battling a bladder infection.
Were you watching the Diamond Jubilee events?
Cheers,
The Historian
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