Platinum Jubilee

Seventy years ago, on 6 February 1952,  His Late Majesty King George VI died peacefully in his sleep at Sandringham.

The King's eldest daughter, Princess Elizabeth, who was at Treetops in Kenya at the time with her husband, The Duke of Edinburgh, ascended to the throne at the age of 25.

Now, Queen Elizabeth II becomes the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee.

A series of celebrations will be taking place throughout 2022. There will be puddings, parties, parades, and pageants. The 95-year-old monarch marking the occasion at Sandringham - said in a written message to the nation: "I would like to express my thanks to you all for your support. I remain eternally grateful for, and humbled by, the loyalty and affection that you continue to give me." It was signed Your servant, Elizabeth R.

This year the celebrations are also a reminder of how much the Queen has been a constant figure, both here in the UK and across the Commonwealth of which she is Head. A recent study showed that 85% of the UK population have never known another monarch.

Prince Charles welcomed his mother's wish that Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, be known as Queen Consort when he becomes King. He said he and his wife were "deeply conscious of the honour".

A traditional military mark of honour has been held to celebrate the anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne.

Gun salutes have taken place in London's Green Park, Tower Bridge and Edinburgh Castle, as the Queen became the first British monarch to reach a Platinum Jubilee.

To celebrate this unprecedented anniversary, events and initiatives will take place throughout the year, culminating in a four day UK bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2 Sunday 5 June. The bank holiday will provide an opportunity for communities and people throughout the United Kingdom to come together to celebrate the historic milestone.

The four days of celebrations will include public events and community activities, as well as national moments of reflection on The Queen’s 70 years of service.

On 21 March 2014, Her Majesty The Queen accompanied by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, officially opened the new home of Rambert, Britain’s national dance company. The Queen observed the Mercury Movers dance class which was one of over 10 different classes for people of all ages, levels and abilities developed by Coin Street and Rambert to bring local people the opportunity to explore dance and get active.  Similar activities continue to be offered.

What will you be doing to celebrate this magnificent milestone in the history of the nation? There seems to be a purple theme emerging for the festivities!