The Queen's Diamond Jubilee
What is the Queen's Diamond Jubilee?
In 2012 Queen Elizabeth II has reigned for 60 years. A jubilee is a special anniversary year. In 1977 the Queen celebrated 25 years on the throne (her Silver Jubilee) and in 2002 she celebrated 50 years on the throne (her Golden Jubilee). A Diamond Jubilee is the special name given to this 60th anniversary year.
Queen Elizabeth II is only the second monarch ever to reign for 60 years (Queen Victoria reigned for 63 years) and, at 86 years old, is the oldest ever British monarch.
Queen Elizabeth II is only the second monarch ever to reign for 60 years (Queen Victoria reigned for 63 years) and, at 86 years old, is the oldest ever British monarch.
How is the Diamond Jubilee being celebrated?
The British Government have declared an extra bank holiday and the weekend of 2nd - 5th June will be filled with activities. The main celebrations will be taking place in London and these include the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant consisting of a flotilla of 1000 boats and a Royal Barge. A concert will be held outside Buckingham Palace and 2012 beacons will be lit across the British Isles. In addition to this, on Tuesday 5th June The Queen will attend a special service at St. Paul's Cathedral and ther will be a carriage procession back to Buckingham Palace, followed by a fly past and a Feu de Joie. To find out more about these events go to http://www.thediamondjubilee.org/central-weekend.
In addition to these 'big' celebrations, the four days will be marked by many local celebrations, so it will be easy to attend an event close to where you live and join us 'Brits' in celebrating this historic ocassion.
In addition to these 'big' celebrations, the four days will be marked by many local celebrations, so it will be easy to attend an event close to where you live and join us 'Brits' in celebrating this historic ocassion.
'Sing', the Diamond Jubilee Song
Gary Barlow and Andrew Lloyd Webber have written a song especially for The Queen for her Diamond Jubilee. Performers from all over the British Commonwealth contributed to the recording. To listen to the song and to find out more about the performers go to http://www.jubileesing.com/