Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee Weekend: A Guide to the 4-Day Celebration
TL; DR:
- Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee culminates in four days of festivities from June 2-5, 2022.
- There will be a parade, concerts, and more.
- The festivities start with Trooping the Colour and end with a Big Jubilee Lunch and pageant.
Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee weekend is almost here. It’s unclear whether or not the monarch will attend many Platinum Jubilee celebrations. However, there will be events all over London to mark her 70-year reign. Ahead, get details on the schedule for Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee.
Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee: Trooping the Colour kicks off the celebrations on June 2
Referred to as the “central weekend” of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations on the royal family’s official website, the festivities begin on June 2, 2022. Trooping the Colour, the annual parade marking the monarch’s birthday, starts at 11 a.m. local time.
Similar to years past, there will be plenty of pomp and circumstance. Trooping the Colour will include a Royal Gun Salute, the British military, horses, and a flyover.
Per tradition, royals will stand on the Buckingham Palace balcony. However, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and Prince Andrew will be absent. Why? Because they’re not currently working royals.
Although, according to a royal expert, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could end up on the balcony at some point during the weekend.
In addition to Trooping the Colour, Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee weekend schedule will continue with beacons. Buckingham Palace’s Principal beacon will be lit at 9 p.m. local time in a special ceremony. Another 54 Commonwealth beacons will be lit. Plus Community beacons too.
A Service of Thanksgiving will take place on June 3
Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee weekend continues with more events on June 3, 2022. A Service of Thanksgiving to mark Queen Elizabeth’s reign will be held at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
According to Meghan and Harry’s biographer, Omid Scobie, the couple showed an interest in attending this particular Platinum Jubilee event. As he said in May 2022, they thought it better suited to their post-senior royal lives than standing on the balcony.
Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations continue with a horse race and star-studded musical tribute on June 4
Queen Elizabeth is a lover of horses who also makes a tidy sum racing. Therefore, it’s only fitting her Platinum Jubilee weekend includes a derby. The Derby at Epsom Downs is on June 4, 2022.
However, the derby’s not the only event of the day. Besides the horse race, there is the Platinum Party at the Palace. According to Platinum Jubilee, the concert includes performances by Queen + Adam Lambert, Alicia Keys, Duran Duran, Andrea Bocelli, and more. After 2.5 hours of musical guests, Diana Ross will close the show.
The Big Jubilee Lunch and Platinum Jubilee Pageant close out the weekend’s festivities
Lastly, Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee weekend ends with lunch and a pageant. Described as a “nationwide act of community friendship,” Big Jubilee Lunches feature everything from world record attempts to backyard barbecues.
Meanwhile, the Platinum Jubilee Pageant pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth. A gospel choir will perform. Also, there will be a rendition of “God Save the Queen.” Additionally, attendees can expect a “fabulous surprise.”
