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What is the Golden Jubilee?

What is the Golden Jubilee?

This year marks one of the most important to date in the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Exactly 50 years ago, a young mother of two took on the awesome responsibility and role of Queen of England. And now, fifty years later, HM Queen Elizabeth II is only the fifth British Monarch to have enjoyed a reign this long.

Known as the Golden Jubilee, the 50th Anniversary of HM The Queen’s accession to the Throne is a very special event in Britain’s history and the perfect time to visit the ‘Royal Capital’ of Britain – London.

The focus of the celebrations was the Golden Jubilee Weekend in London
(1-4 June 2002).
An additional Bank Holiday (3 June) was granted to allow people to enjoy the festivities and the 27 May Bank Holiday was moved to 4 June.

Weekend highlights included a pop concert at Buckingham Palace and fireworks & a pageant along The Mall. There are hundreds of other events planned throughout Summer 2002.

Search our Events Database for more Golden Jubilee events, click here

Use our special Golden Jubilee feature to find out about:

Golden Jubilee events in London
Where you can see HM The Queen
Visiting the homes of the Monarchy
Where the Royals like to shop
Summer in London

A message from HM The Queen:

"This anniversary is for us an occasion to acknowledge with gratitude the loyalty and support which we have received from so many people since I came to the Throne in 1952. It is especially an opportunity to thank all those of you who help others in your own local communities through public and voluntary work.

I hope also that this time of celebration in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth will not simply be an occasion to be nostalgic about the past. I believe that, young or old, we have as much to look forward to with confidence and hope as we have to look back on with pride.

I send all my warmest good wishes to you all."

Elizabeth R