The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022

On Sunday 6 February 2022, Her Majesty The Queen became the first monarch in British history to celebrate a platinum Jubilee. The nearest we have ever come to a monarch marking 70 years on the throne was Queen Victoria’s impressive 63 years.

On 6 February 1952, Her Majesty’s father, King George VI, died in his sleep at Sandringham and the young princess became Queen Elizabeth II, aged just 25. 

In her record-breaking, seven-decade reign the Queen has seen 14 Prime Ministers come and go and met 13 US Presidents, all whilst acting as a steady figurehead during countless national crises. A recent study showed that for 85% of the population, she is the only monarch they have ever known.

This year, to celebrate this momentous milestone, events and initiatives will take place throughout the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and around the world, culminating in a four-day bank holiday weekend in the UK from Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 June.

Below is our breakdown of official events over the bank holiday weekend, and others happening across the country throughout the year!

Get involved!

The Queen’s Green Canopy

This initiative is encouraging people all over the country to ‘plant a tree for the Jubilee,’ generating the planting of large trees, tree avenues, urban planting and new expansive forests that will leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Find out more about how you can get involved with The Queen’s Green Canopy here. 

Platinum Pudding Competition

Calling all keen bakers, in collaboration with Fortnum and Mason and The Big Jubilee Lunch, Dame Mary Berry, Monica Galetti and Buckingham Palace head chef Mark Flanagan are on the hunt to find a brand-new pudding dedicated to the Queen. UK applicants aged eight and over have been invited to enter and the winning recipe will be made available to the public and enjoyed by many generations to come. Read more about the Platinum Pudding Competition here.

Bank Holiday Weekend Events Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 June

There’s a lot to look forward to over the official Jubilee weekend from Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 June!

Thursday 2 June

The Queen’s Birthday Parade

Official Jubilee events in London will kick off with The Queen’s Birthday Parade, otherwise known as the Trooping of the Colour. During the event, 1400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians will begin at Buckingham Palace and move down The Mall to Horseguard’s Parade, accompanied by members of the Royal Family on horseback and in carriages. As is tradition, the parade will close with an RAF fly-past. Tickets for this event are open to the public, you can apply to attend The Queen’s Birthday Parade here. 

Platinum Jubilee Beacons

2 June will also see the lighting of the Platinum Jubilee Beacons; more than 1500 beacons will be lit throughout the UK, Channel Islands, the Isle and Man and UK Overseas Territories, and for the first time, beacons will be lit in each of the Commonwealth countries. A special ceremony will be held to light the Principal beacon at Buckingham Palace.

Friday 3 June

On Friday 3 June there will be a special Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral. Further details of this will be announced later on this month.

Sunday 5 June

The Big Jubilee Lunch

As is tradition with royal celebrations, Sunday 5 June will see street parties up and down the country as communities are encouraged to get together to mark the occasion. You can find a street party near you, or get tips for hosting a Big Jubilee Lunch here.

Platinum Jubilee Pageant

In London on 5 June, the official Platinum Jubilee Pageant will take place. Artistic performers, dancers, musicians, military personnel, key workers and volunteers will unite to tell the story of the Queen’s 70-year reign, drawing on talent from every part of the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth. 

Read more about the official plans for the Queen’s official Platinum Jubilee weekend here.

Platinum Jubilee Souvenirs

Here at BRITAIN, we couldn’t let such an important royal occasion go by without an appropriate fanfare, so we are offering you the chance to purchase your own Limited Edition Platinum Jubilee mug, designed by Susan Rose China. 

There are three different sizes and designs on offer, each hand-drawn and each inspired by the life and service of Her Majesty The Queen.

Buy your Platinum Jubilee mug here.