One of the world's longest-serving monarchs, Queen Elizabeth II will celebrate her Platinum Jubilee (marking 70 years of service since her ascension to the throne) this June and a busy schedule awaits royal-watchers. Everyone in London and elsewhere in the United Kingdom—and the broader Commonwealth too—is welcome to join the celebrations. From the opening of royal residences to the public to concerts with headline artists, the Platinum Jubilee program is busy and varied.
The Backstory
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, the future Queen Elizabeth II, was born on April 21, 1926, in London, the daughter of Prince Albert, Duke of York, and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon.
At birth, Elizabeth was third in line to the throne, after her uncle, King Edward VIII, and her father. When her uncle abdicated in 1936 to marry Wallis Simpson, her father ascended the throne as George VI and Elizabeth became his heir.
In November 1947, Elizabeth married Philip of Greece and Denmark. Their marriage would last more than 73 years, until his death in 2021, making it the longest in the history of the British royal family.
After the death of King George VI in February 1952 from lung cancer, Elizabeth became, at only 25 years old, the sixth woman to sit on the English throne as a queen regnant. Her coronation took place on June 2, 1953, at Westminster Abbey, a little over a year later.
Queen Elizabeth II is now the longest-reigning British monarch ever (in 2015 she broke the record set by her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, of 63 years and 216 days). The Queen has four children, eight grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.
A Platinum Jubilee
Get the essentials to grow a sustainable business at our member-only event.
In 2022, Queen Elizabeth II will become the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, with events scheduled throughout the year in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries.
Although the Queen will be limited to attending only select events due to her health and advanced age, other members of the royal family will travel around the country, participating in various public commemorations of the milestone.
The official emblem of the jubilee was chosen in a competition held in collaboration with the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Design Museum, and the Royal College of Art. Nineteen-year-old Edward Roberts of Nottinghamshire created the winning design, a stylized representation of St. Edward's Crown against a royal purple backdrop.
The Jubilee Weekend
In the United Kingdom, the long weekend from Thursday, June 2, to Sunday, June 5, has been set aside for Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Here are some of the highlights:
June 2: At the Trooping the Color, the 1st Battalion Irish Guards performs a traditional display of military ceremony that dates to the 17th century for the Queen. More than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians will participate.
The royal residences of Sandringham and Balmoral will be open for public visits.
June 3: A Thanksgiving service for the Queen's reign takes place at St. Paul's Cathedral.
June 4: The Queen will attend a horse race at Epsom Downs in Surrey.
The BBC will broadcast a live concert from Buckingham Palace (performers have not yet been announced).
June 5: The Big Jubilee Lunch consists of neighborly gatherings and street parties throughout the United Kingdom.
This article originally appeared on AD México.
