Commonwealth Celebrations Diamond Jubilee 2012
Following the death of King George Vl on the 6th February 1952 his daughter, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, succeeded to the throne. On the 2nd June 1953 at Westminster Abbey London she was formally crowned Queen of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ceylon and Pakistan and Head of State to the Commonwealth. Queen Elizabeth ll is now eighty six years of age and throughout 2012 events will be taking place in the UK and Commonwealth Countries to celebrate herDiamond Jubilee.
Royal Visits
During 2012 members of the Royal family are scheduled to visit Commonwealth Countries whilst the Queen tours the UK. For example The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will visit Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Malaysia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Prince Harry, Belize, Jamaica, Bahamas and the Duke of York, India
Beacons
On the 4th June 2012 four thousand beacons will be lit across the UK, Channel Isles, Isle of Man, the Commonwealth and UK overseas territories to celebrate the Jubilee
CyprusOn the 1st June the people of Cyprus can attend a Party in the Park in Happy Valley, Episkopi organized by the Western Sovereign Base Area. The event will feature music from a UK Queen tribute band and the RAF College Band. On the 3rd June there will be a street party in Paphos featuring traditional English songs and dancing and on the 4th June a beacon will be lit to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee.
Cayman Isle
The Cayman Islehas arranged The Order of the Cayman Islands Awards, where individuals will be presented with various medals of Honor. In addition there will be celebrations at an historic site featuring bands, singers and fireworks. On the 2nd June a parade is planned featuring a flotilla of decorated boats and a firework display at the harbor. On the 4th June there will be a parade and international celebration where local athletes and government officials will join a torch run across the island ending at Pedro St James where the Governor will light a beacon.
The Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands Government has provided £3,000 for Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee events. They have issued a special set of fourstampsaccompanied by a souvenir sheet showing images of the Queen taken during each of her special anniversary years. On May 25th, a celebratory Ball is planned and at the end of the month the Legislative Assembly and people of the Falklands will send a congratulatory message to the Queen. On June 3rd, a Service of Thanksgiving will be held in Christchurch Cathedral and on the June 4th, there will be a Public Holiday and a celebration beacon will be lit.
Jersey, Channel Islands
The festivities in Jersey start on Sunday 3rd June, when there will be a variety of street parties throughout the island. On the 4th June, a Service of Thanksgiving led by the Dean of Jersey will be held at the Town Church. Throughout the day there are a variety of events including a vintage car display at People’s Park, horse racing at Les Landes Racecourse, a Jubilee Fair, music concert at Fort Regent and the lighting of a beacon with a gun salute and fireworks at Elizabeth Castle.
Australia
The Australian Prime Minister will light a beacon on top of Parliament House in Canberra on the 4th June and Parks Place will be renamed Queen Elizabeth Terrace. In addition a Jubilee stamp and coin will be issued and the Government have pledged five million dollars to the Queens Jubilee Trust.
Canada
The Canadians have issued a new Queen Elizabeth ll Diamond Jubilee Medal and during June the Royal British Columbia Museum will exhibit Cecil Beaton’s photographs of Queen Elizabeth. On the 4th June, Canada will take part in the Commonwealth celebrations by lighting beacons.
People's History Chart
Celebrations for the Queens Diamond Jubilee will be taking place throughout the world and there is an on line Diamond Jubilee Time Capsule which anyone can add a photograph, video or text detailing a memorable date between 6 Feb 1952 and 6th June 2012. The bestJubilee Time Capsuleentries will be presented to The Queen later in 2012.
