What is a Platinum Jubilee and why is this one so special?
On Feb. 6, 2022, Queen Elizabeth celebrated 70 years on the throne, making her the longest reigning British monarch in history.
To celebrate, the U.K. has allocated June 2-5 (to coincide with her televised coronation, which took place in June 1953) as a long weekend of pomp and circumstance: parades, parties, Royal Family public appearances and performances from U.K. top acts are part of the festivities.
What is the the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration and when is it airing?
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration is a televised event happening May 15 to honour and celebrate Queen Elizabeth II.
Hosted by popular talk show hosts Phillip Schofield and Julie Etchingham, it is a will include a theatrical retelling of Royal history with 1,300 performers, 500 horses, and live orchestra.
There will be appearances by notable names like Tom Cruise, Damian Lewis and Dame Helen Mirren (playing Queen Elizabeth I). The only way to watch The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration in Canada is through BritBox, a subscription service that offers up-to-date streaming for BBC and ITV programs.
What will happen at the Platinum Jubilee?
The June events include a bank holiday (a national public holiday) and Trooping of the Colour, a Royal Procession, a “flypast” by the Royal Air Force, and a balcony appearance which typically includes working members of the Royal family like Prince Charles; Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall; and Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
(After months of speculation, it’s been reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex (Harry and Meghan) will not be present on the balcony.)
Other events will include the Jubilee Beacons (a symbolic lighting of the of a chain of beacons connecting the country) being lit at Buckingham Palace, a Service of Thanksgiving including the ringing of the bell, the derby at Epson Downs and a Platinum Party at the Palace (which includes 10,000 members of the public and 5,000 essential workers).
Some acts rumoured to be performing include The Spice Girls, Ed Sheeran and Coldplay.
