The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

Buckingham Palace/ Studio Canal / BBC Studios / Heyday Films Photo of Queen Elizabeth II and Paddington Bear having cream tea at Buckingham Palace taken from a film that was shown at the BBC Platinum Party at the Palace.

As we pay tribute to the remarkable life and reign of HM Queen Elizabeth II, we look back at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne

What a weekend! From 2-5 June the nation marked the Queen’s momentous 70 years on the throne, the longest reign of any monarch in British history in true royal style. We have enjoyed street parties, fireworks, a concert, a Jubilee pageant, and the Queen even met Paddington Bear for a very special Jubilee tea. Our favourite moment? When we discovered what she really keeps in her handbag…a marmalade sandwich of course.

Although the Queen herself was not able to be present at all the events, she was represented beautifully by her close family, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, and the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, for whom it was their first Jubilee celebration.

In a statement from Buckingham Palace yesterday, the Queen said ‘While I may not have attended every event in person, my heart has been with you all; and I remain committed to serving you to the best of my ability, supported by my family.’

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Photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the official Platinum Jubilee portrait of Queen Elizabeth II photographed at Windsor Castle recently. Photo credit: Royal Household/Ranald Mackechnie/PA Media.

Following, the Trooping of the Colour on Thursday and a balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace, Her Majesty was able to kick off the weekend’s celebrations by lighting the Principal Beacon at Windsor Castle, which was marked by a spectacular fireworks display over the castle. Over 3000 beacons were lit across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth to celebrate the Queen’s 70 years of service.

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The lighting of the Platinum Jubilee Beacon saw 75,000 people flock to Windsor’s world famous Long Walk

Friday then saw a special service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral, attended by members of the Royal Family, and members of the family, including the Princess Royal, who also attended the Epsom Derby. Saturday saw the fantastic Platinum Party at the Palace, which featured performers such as Diana Ross and Elton John perform outside Buckingham Palace, and on Sunday, as we attended street parties and tucked into our Jubilee lunches, we were treated to the Jubilee Pageant, a spectacle of colour, dance, theatre and music celebrating the past 70 years of the Queen’s reign.

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Sunday saw thousands of people enjoying street parties for the official Big Jubilee Lunch! Tables lined the Long Walk at Windsor Castle. Photo Credit: Robbie Cook

Her Majesty commented she was ‘humbled and deeply touched that so many people have taken to the streets to celebrate my Platinum Jubilee.’

The Queen also commented that she was ‘inspired by the kindness, joy and kinship that has been so evident in recent days, and I hope this renewed sense of togetherness will be felt for many years to come.’

Although the official Platinum Jubilee weekend is over, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate this summer! From afternoon teas to special exhibitions, read more below:

Platinum Jubilee afternoon teas

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