Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

THANK YOU MA’AM

Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Gill Sherry

Can you imagine doing the same job for 70 years? It’s inconceivable isn’t it? Yet, that’s exactly what Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has done. I appreciate it’s not your average nine-to-five role but even so, it’s still a huge commitment and an amazing achievement.

I wasn’t even born when her coronation took place in 1953. I do, however, remember her Silver Jubilee in 1977 when parties and parades took place all over the United Kingdom (and beyond) to celebrate the 25th anniversary of her accession to the throne. I may only have been nine years old, but I can still picture the Union Jacks that decorated almost every home in the land.

The Queen’s Golden Jubilee was equally memorable and was celebrated internationally. As was her Diamond Jubilee in 2012 which marked 60 years on the throne. It was a year of double celebration as it was also 65 years since she had married Prince Philip, their blue sapphire wedding anniversary taking place later in the year. Understandably, the Platinum Jubilee promised to be even more memorable. And why not? Queen Elizabeth II is the first British Monarch to celebrate 70 years of service. A special extended bank holiday weekend allowed the people of the UK to mark the occasion and celebrate the historic milestone.

With Her Majesty recently having to withdraw from some official engagements due to ‘mobility issues’ it was an absolute treat to see her waving from the Palace balcony, albeit without the Duke of Edinburgh by her side. The Duke had been a constant source of support throughout the Queen’s reign until his death in April 2021 at the age of 99. The highly anticipated family gathering on the first day of the celebrations wasn’t quite the same without him. That said, she was still able to enjoy the spectacular RAF fly-past, perfectly choreographed by Spitfires and The

Red Arrows.

Other commemorative events included Trooping the Colour, A Royal Gun Salute, and a Platinum Party at the Palace. Famous faces (Sir Rod Stewart, Alicia Keys and Diana Ross to name just three) came together to perform a night of musical tributes which not only entertained the live audience of 22,000 but also millions of TV viewers across the globe. On the Sunday, a Platinum Jubilee Pageant took place that saw hundreds of thousands of people converge on the capital, keen to pay tribute to Her Majesty as well as to enjoy the spectacle. The Pageant featured iconic moments from the past 70 years, a colourful and nostalgic procession along the length of The Mall involving key workers, volunteers, the military and celebrities from film, sport, music and TV. Ed Sheeran closed proceedings with a fitting rendition of his popular hit Perfect.

Indeed, it was a perfect display of pomp and pageantry, a party quite literally fit for a queen and the ideal opportunity for so many people to say thank you for her loyalty and selfless dedication. It was a joyous occasion with a strong sense of togetherness and where the shared delight was palpable. For many, it was a once in a lifetime occasion, the rarity of a Platinum Jubilee a unique and magical experience. The Queen delighted crowds with a second balcony appearance on Sunday evening, emerging from the Palace with her heirs, Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. They were joined by the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge, the Queen outshining them all in radiant emerald-green. As with any job, the role of Head of State comes with its challenges, many of which are known only to the British Monarchy and kept well out of the public eye. Unfortunately, the most difficult challenges have been open to public scrutiny and have caused Her Majesty a great deal of stress, embarrassment and humiliation. The absence of certain members of her family from various celebratory events was a very obvious reminder that even the Queen has her fair share of troubles. Such scandals would put pressure on anyone and let’s not forget, the Queen is 96 years of age. However, she has continued to take her duties seriously and has acted with the utmost integrity throughout, always putting the monarchy ahead of everything else. Lesser people would’ve retired long ago, walking away from the trials and responsibilities that marred an already demanding role. There’s no denying, however, that it’s also a role of privilege. The Queen has travelled far and wide during her reign, including a royal visit to Kuwait in 1979. She also welcomed His Highness Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah to Windsor Castle during a state visit in 2012 during which she said: “Our relationship runs deep, and the United Kingdom is proud to have played its part in Kuwait’s recent history.” Ultimately, though, no amount of wealth, luxury or enviable travel can assure a trouble-free life in the Monarchy but, as she celebrates 70 years as Queen of the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth realms, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II should be commended for her exemplary duty and dedication. She has continued to deliver on the promise she made 70 years ago during her coronation at Westminster Abbey: “The things which I have here before promised, I will perform and keep. So help me God.”

The Platinum Jubilee was the ideal opportunity for her loyal subjects to celebrate Her Majesty’s many years of service. It has been an extraordinary reign during times of enormous change. Remarkably, at the age of 96, the endless constitutional and representational duties continue for the muchloved and respected Monarch. In fact, she was quick to issue a statement once the Jubilee celebrations had concluded: “My heart has been with you all; and I remain committed to serving you to the best of my ability.” She truly is an exceptional human being and I am proud to call her my Queen. Thank you Ma’am.