Today, February 6th , the celebrations for the seventy years of reign of Queen Elizabeth II officially have begun. She is also the first sovereign of the United Kingdom to reach seventy years of reign. Before her, the only one to have reigned for more than sixty years was Queen Victoria, who had reigned for 63 years when she died in 1901. The events to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee will continue in the following days. Between 2nd and 5th June, which have been proclaimed a national holiday, there will be numerous ceremonies, parades and official public events in London.
Thursday 2nd June
The celebrations will be inaugurated on June 2nd by the Queen’s birthday parade, in which more than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and bands with more than 400 musicians will parade. Even if Elizabeth II was born on April 21st, 1926, her birthday is usually celebrated in mid-June, according to a tradition of organizing events in a warmer period of the year.
Beginning at Buckingham Palace, the Parade will move down The Mall to Horse Guard’s Parade, joined by Members of the Royal Family on horseback and in carriages. The Parade will close with the traditional RAF fly-past, watched by The Queen and Members of the Royal Family from the Buckingham Palace balcony. Friday 3rd June
Service of Thanksgiving: A Service of Thanksgiving for The Queen’s reign will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Saturday 4th June
The Derby at Epsom Downs: Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by Members of the Royal Family, will attend the Derby at Epsom Downs.
Sunday 5th June
The Big Jubilee Lunch: Every year since the idea began in 2009 The Big Lunch has encouraged communities to celebrate their connections and get to know each other a little bit better, coming together in a spirit of fun and friendship. In 2022 The Big Lunch will bring the Jubilee celebrations into the heart of every community. People are invited to share friendship, food and fun with neighbours as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.