THE QUEENS DIAMOND JUBILEE

Celebrating sixty years to the throne

For the second time in history, a British Monarch celebrates a Diamond Jubilee. The reign of Queen Elizabeth II has span over 60 years. That’s six decades of historic change in the United Kingdom and across the World. Her Majesty matches the achievement of her Great Great Grandmother Victoria and celebrates her Diamond Jubilee.

I don’t think I have seen so many Union Jack flags ever! Millions came together to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and what a phenomenal one it was at that. No one does a ceremony like us, which makes me proud to be British. The celebrations were not only confined to the UK, but across the world. Over 10,000 street parties took place across the UK. That matches those organised for the Queen’s Coronation in 1953 and more than those held for the Royal Wedding last year.

Back in 1947 a promise was made…

“I declare before you all, that my whole life whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and to the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”

Queen Elizabeth II

To commemorate 60 years to the throne, Her Majesty travelled the UK to express her thanks to the people for their loyalty and support. The Central Weekend took place on the 3^rd – 5^th June 2012 and ceremony’s including The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant and The Diamond Jubilee Concert.

On Sunday 3^rd June 2012, over 1 million vessels came together in the largest flotilla ever on the Thames from Battersea to Tower Bridge. The Queen led the flotilla of varied boats of historic and modern. Measuring 7.5 miles, this definitely made London a focal point. It was amazing to see how the public came together even though the weather wasn’t so great. And if that wasn’t amazing enough… The Diamond Jubilee Concert took place on Monday 4^th June 2012. With the grand backdrop of Buckingham Palace the star-studded concert was phenomenal. Many artists performed to the Queen to put on a fantastic production. Some of which included, Stevie Wonder, Kylie Minogue, Cheryl Cole and many more. Earlier that day, the 10,000 people selected by ballot to attend the concert, were also invited to the Diamond Jubilee Picnic that took place on the grounds of the palace; A royal feast with a patriotic theme.

The Queen attended a service at St Paul’s Cathedral followed by a reception at the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London on Tuesday 5^th June 2012. After lunch at Westminster Hall, the royals travelled to Buckingham Palace in an open top coach led along the King’s troop, Royal Horse Artillery and a gun salute. With the Queen and other senior royals on the balcony of the palace, the celebrations came to an end with a flypast by the red devils leaving the sky red, white and blue!

A memorable occasion that will never be forgotten.