People all over the world will soon celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, recognizing her 60 years on the throne. This is not a common feat, although it has to be said that a few other monarch leaders have celebrated Diamond Jubilees in the past. Celebrations in the Queen’s honour will occur in many commonwealth countries across the globe throughout 2012. Celebrations in Britain will be centred around the June 2-5, an extended holiday weekend. Read on to learn more about jubilees throughout history.
Monarchs all over the world celebrate royal jubilees after certain number of years of reign. A Diamond Jubilee is celebrated after 60 years, with a Golden Jubilee after 50, and a Silver Jubilee after 25. This makes it quite an achievement, with Queen Elizabeth II being only the second U.K. monarch to have reigned for at least 60 years.
Queen Victoria is the longest-reigning British monarch, having ruled for 63 years and 7 months. Thus Queen Victoria celebrated a Silver, Gold and Diamond Jubilee during her time on the throne. There were many events held in honour of her Diamond Jubilee, including a service held outside St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, as Queen Victoria was too weak to make it inside. The Queen then led a progression across London Bridge and through parts of London before heading back to Buckingham Palace. She wrote the following in her journal about the event: “No one ever, I believe, has met with such an ovation as was given to me, passing through those 6 miles of streets . . . The cheering was quite deafening & every face seemed to be filled with real joy. I was much moved and gratified.”
Other monarchs have celebrated Diamond Jubilees across the globe. In 2006, Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej celebrated his Diamond Jubilee and Emperor Showa of Japan celebrated his Diamond Jubilee in 1986. Korea has also had two monarchs celebrate 60 years on the throne – Taejo of Goguryeo and Jangsu of Goguryeo.
In Britain, many citizens are holding celebrations themselves in recognition of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. One such event is called “The Big Jubilee Lunch,” it is through this that the Queen is encouraging the people of Britain to gather and share lunch with friends and neighbours. If you’re interested in holding a lunch or gathering, you may want to get some memorable Jubilee gifts to hand out to guests. If you’re in or near London, you could also head to the Thames to see hundreds of boats travel down the river with the Queen leading the way. There are many ways to recognize this rare Jubilee, with ‘The Big Jubilee Lunch’ being an excellent opportunity to do so!
Fiona Roy writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
