Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II
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| Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II | |
|---|---|
| Name | Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II |
| Caption | Queen Elizabeth II in 2015 |
| Date | 2022 |
| Location | United Kingdom and Commonwealth realms |
| Type | National and international celebrations |
| Participants | Monarch, Royal Family, governments, legislatures, civic organisations |
Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II
The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II marked the 70th anniversary of the accession of Elizabeth II to the throne, observed in 2022 with national ceremonies, commemorative projects, and international responses. The celebrations involved the British monarchy, the Royal Family, devolved administrations, Commonwealth realms, and municipal and cultural institutions across nations including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Events combined ceremonial pageantry, parliamentary recognition, community initiatives, and commercial commemoratives that engaged constitutional actors, heritage bodies, and media organisations.
Background and Significance
The jubilee commemorated Elizabeth II's accession after the death of George VI and followed earlier milestone observances such as the Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II, the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II, and the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II. It occurred within the constitutional framework shaped by the Act of Settlement 1701, the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, and the conventions governing the Commonwealth of Nations, reflecting the monarch's role as head of state in multiple realms including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The jubilee intersected with institutional traditions embodied by Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Palace of Westminster, and the Order of the Garter, confirming ceremonial links to historical events such as the Coronation of Elizabeth II and the State Opening of Parliament.
Planning and Organising Bodies
Coordination involved the Royal Household, the Cabinet Office, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, and devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Local authorities such as the Greater London Authority and municipal councils worked with heritage organisations including Historic England, National Trust, and English Heritage. Military participation was planned with units like the Household Division and the Royal Air Force while police coordination involved forces such as the Metropolitan Police Service. Commonwealth coordination included offices in Rideau Hall, Government House, Canberra, and Government House, Wellington and diplomatic engagement with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Commonwealth Secretariat.
National Celebrations and Events in the United Kingdom
Major events featured a central thanksgiving service at St Paul's Cathedral, a commemorative Trooping the Colour on the Horse Guards Parade, and a four-day bank holiday weekend with pageants in London and regional events across Manchester, Belfast, and Edinburgh. Ceremonial elements involved the Household Cavalry, the Royal Navy, and flypasts by the Royal Air Force Red Arrows. Parliamentary recognition included addresses and motions in the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and commemorative acts in city halls and civic centres such as Guildhall, London. Cultural institutions including the British Library, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the National Gallery staged exhibitions, while broadcast coverage was provided by the British Broadcasting Corporation, ITV, and Sky UK.
International and Commonwealth Observances
Commonwealth realms and overseas territories marked the jubilee with ceremonies at Parliament of Canada, Australian Parliament House, and New Zealand Parliament, as well as ceremonies in capitals such as Ottawa, Canberra, and Wellington. Governors-General and Governors including those at Rideau Hall and Government House, Sydney presided over civic events; national broadcasters such as the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and Radio New Zealand provided coverage. Diplomatic missions including the British High Commission, Canberra and the British High Commission, Ottawa hosted receptions, and memorials were laid at sites including Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries. Other states and organisations, including the United Nations and heads of state, issued congratulatory messages and proclamations.
Cultural and Economic Impact
The jubilee had measurable effects on tourism, retail, and the cultural sector, influencing footfall at heritage sites like Tower of London and spend in retail centres such as Oxford Street and Princes Street. Cultural programming involved partnerships with the Arts Council England, the Royal Opera House, and regional theatres and orchestras like the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Commercial activity included licensing agreements with firms in the souvenir industry and hospitality sectors such as cruise operators on the River Thames. The event also influenced media markets with special programming on channels like the BBC World Service and commissioning by streaming services and publishers.
Commemorative Projects and Memorabilia
Official commemoratives included specially struck coinage by the Royal Mint, postage stamps by the Royal Mail, and limited edition medals produced in conjunction with institutions such as the Royal British Legion. Heritage projects featured plaques and conservation funding administered with partners including Historic Environment Scotland, the National Trust for Scotland, and local museums. Memorial works and artistic commissions involved sculptors and designers associated with galleries such as the Tate Modern and the National Portrait Gallery (United Kingdom), while academic projects engaged universities like University of Oxford and University of Cambridge in research and publications.
Criticism, Controversies and Public Opinion
Public discourse encompassed debates in media outlets such as The Times, The Guardian, and The Daily Telegraph about expenditure, colonial legacies, and republicanism advocated by groups including the Republic movement. Protests and demonstrations occurred near venues such as Buckingham Palace and outside foreign missions, involving civil society organisations and trade unions like the Trades Union Congress. Parliamentary scrutiny addressed budgetary matters through committees including the Public Accounts Committee and raised questions about constitutional symbolism debated in chambers like the Senedd Cymru and the Scottish Parliament. Opinion polling by organisations such as YouGov and Ipsos MORI reflected varied public attitudes across demographic groups and regions.