The Platinum Jubilee 2022

Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, born April 21, 1926. Crowned Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and fourteen Commonwealth realms on June 2, 1953. The daughter of the former Duke & Duchess of York, who themselves became King and Queen on the abdication of her father's elder brother, Edward, she was never supposed to be Queen. But did and now with 70 years on the throne, is the longest reigning sovereign in British history, surpassing her great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, who reigned for 63 years.

There have been celebrations for each of the Queen's jubilees, the Silver in 1977, the Golden in 2002, the Diamond in 2012 and now the Platinum. The Ruby and Sapphire Jubilee's in 1992 and 2017 were more modestly marked. But this last one will be the most special as it will the Queen's last (she is now 96 years old).

You don't have to be a royalist to appreciate that this lady represents so much that was good and decent about the past, as well as weathering some of the worst years in modern history. I think what stands out most for me is that politicians have come and gone, but the Queen endures. 

She has seen 14 British Prime Ministers, 12 Canadian Prime Ministers and 14 U. S. Presidents during her reign. Not to mention many more world leaders and some of the leading personages of the past half century. It said that Winston Churchill was her favourite British P.M.She has played a role that few of us could bear; having to be neutral in all things, keeping your opinions to yourself, meeting people who I'm sure in at least some cases she would have rather not and seeing diminishment of the U.K. and the Commonwealth. She also had to watch as the institution of Monarchy became fodder for the tabloid press with the personal problems of her family a source of endless gossip and speculation. And all that endured, at least publicly, with grace, charm and dignity. It is said that the Queen is not demonstrative with affection, but is always there for those she cares about. She dislikes fuss and refuses heavy security. On that subject her Majesty once said "I don't want to be like Idi Amin.", the notorious former dictator of Uganda. The Queen's deep rooted Christian faith has been her anchor, along with her late husband, Prince Phillip, who she once described as "her rock". She believes in fairness and tolerance and has been a bastion of tradition, stability and continuity. Qualities that seem to be sadly lacking in the 21st century.

The Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrating the Queen's 70 years on the British throne is on Thursday June 2nd through to Sunday June 5th. The actual date was in February of 2022, but it makes more sense to hold national celebrations during the early Summer. I think the really big events are going to be in London and if you waned to attend, you would have had to arrange travel and accommodation months ago. The Palace officially announced plans for the Jubilee in January of this year, but I expect it got started months before that. There will also be celebrations throughout the Commonwealth. I'm going to content myself with watching the festivities on the television and raising a glass to Her Majesty from home.

This issue of The Lady may be all I purchase for Jubilee memorabilia. There is an absolute avalanche of stuff out there, including a Queen Elizabeth II doll by Barbie which is really the only other thing I might buy, if they aren't already sold out. Although I can't help but think the doll's face resembles British actress Helen Mirren, who played both Elizabeth's, the First and the Second.

In any case, its going to be a splendid four day weekend here in the U.K. Here's to hoping the weather gods cooperate. Get the champagne on ice!