Existing comment:
The Diamond Jubilee
The Diamond Jubilee:
* A Royal Jubilee celebrates significant periods in monarchs' reigns and natural life.
* In 1897, Queen Victoria became the longest-reigning Monarch in British history when she celebrated her Diamond Jubilee. There was a grand and colourful Jubilee procession through London.
* In 2012, The Queen will become only the second UK monarch to mark 60 years on the throne since her accession in 1952.
* Celebrations were previously held for Her Majesty's Silver Jubilee in 1977 and Golden Jubilee in 2002.
* Celebrations of The Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977 and The Diamond Jubilee in 2012 include street parties, pageants, and parades throughout the year, and a Royal tour of the UK and Commonwealth.
* While Accession Day was on 6 February, celebrations will occur throughout 2012, with a special extended bank holiday weekend in the United Kingdom on 2-5 June, full of celebrations.
Facts about Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II:
* Her Majesty is Queen of 15 Commonwealth Realms in addition to the United Kingdom.
* Queen Elizabeth II is the 40th monarch since William the Conqueror obtained the crown of England.
* In 60 years, The Queen has undertaken 261 official overseas visits, including 96 State Visits, to 116 different countries.
* The Queen has two birthdays (her real birthday is April 21). The Queen's public birthday is celebrated in June with Trooping of the Colour.
* The Queen has 9 Royal Thrones: one at the House of Lords, two at Westminster Abbey, and six in the throne room at Buckingham Palace.
* The Queen speaks fluent French and often uses the language for Audiences and State Visits.
* The Queen's wedding ring was made from a nugget of Welsh gold which came from the Clogau St. David's mine near Dolgellau.
* The Queen has owned more then 30 corgis during her reign. The first, Susan, was an 18th birthday present.
* The Queen has answered around 3.5 million items of correspondence.
* The Queen launched the British Monarchy's official website in 1997. In 2007, the official British Monarchy YouTube channel was unveiled, swiftly followed by a Royal Twitter site (2009), Flickr page (2010) and Facebook page (also 2010).
* The Queen hosts "theme days" and Receptions to promote and celebrate aspects of British culture. Recent examples from 2011 include a reception for Young People and the Performing Arts, and for Explorers. Other themes have included Publishing, Broadcasting, Tourism, Emergency Services, Maritime Day, Music, Young Achievers, British Design, and Pioneers. |