2022 marks the Queen's Platinum Jubilee – a celebration of her 70 years on the throne as Britain's longest reigning monarch. But, while Buckingham Palace and the government have confirmed an impressive line-up of celebrations in June this year, why are we not recognising the official date of the Jubilee in February?
When is the Queen's Platinum Jubilee?
The official date Queen Elizabeth II started her reign was February 6th 1952. This year, that date falls on a Sunday. That is the official date on which the Queen took the throne.
Why aren't we celebrating the Platinum Jubilee on February 6th?
The Royal Mint The Platinum Jubilee 50p Brilliant Uncirculated Coin
Queen Elizabeth succeeded her father, King George VI. Therefore, the official date of the start of her reign is also the date on which her father died. King George VI died at Sandringham, on February 6th 1952, in his sleep. After experiencing ill health, the King had a lung operation from which he failed to recover. He was 56-years-old.
It's for this reason why the Queen chooses not to celebrate her anniversary – and in 2022 her Platinum Jubilee – on this date. She instead chooses to remember her father.
Instead, much like the Queen's Gold and Diamond Jubilees, the occasion will be celebrated four months later on 3rd June 2022.
Buckingham Palace and the government also thought the celebrations would benefit from warmer weather if they were held in the summer and they were able to manipulate the bank holidays to allow for a longer weekend of festivities.
More on the Platinum Jubilee:
- How to hold a Platinum Jubilee street party: Permission, food, drink and decorations
- Commemorative 50p to enter circulation in February 2022
- 1,500 beacons will be lit by farmers and landowners to celebrate Jubilee
When are the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June?
There will be a four-day bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2nd June to Sunday 5th June 2022. The date for the Jubilee has been marked as Friday 3rd June.
There is a host of events and parties planned for the extended weekend, a full line-up of which can be seen here. Time to get your diaries out!
Platinum Jubilee souvenirs and gifts to celebrate the Queen
Emma Bridgewater Queen's Platinum Jubilee God Save The Queen Mug
This historic jubilee makes a great excuse to add another Emma Bridgewater mug to your collection! This one features our national anthem in EB's signature script on a proud red background.
Emma Bridgewater Queen's Platinum Jubilee Mug
Here's a more subtle design from Emma Bridgewater.
Emma Bridgewater Queen's Platinum Jubilee 70 Glorious Years Mug
Lastly, the potter has this vibrant green option. Which will you choose?
Harrods Queen's Platinum Jubilee Mug
Harrods has released its own commemorative mug, too. This fine bone china option features the dates of the Queen's reign in shining gold and finished with the royal crests.
Sandie Burton Designs Queen's Platinum Jubilee Cushion Cover
Particularly dedicated royalists will be pleased with this lovely handmade cushion cover; it's thoroughly celebratory without being garish. It'd fit right in with a country cottage scheme while adding a cheerful flash of colour.
Platinum Jubilee Tea Towel
This design is also available as a tea towel, if you prefer – in a good range of colours.
Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Plate
This makes a fun memento – use it to display your scones or sandwiches for your Jubilee garden party over the bank holiday weekend, then display it on the wall or your cabinet after the festivities are done.
Platinum Jubilee Bunting
Hang this suitably British bunting around your garden fence, conservatory or the front of your property to show your appreciation for our longest-reigning monarch. It comes in either two or five metre lengths, or you can ask for your specific requirements.
Historic Royal Palaces 2022 Platinum Jubilee Imperial State Crown Decoration
Made from gold-plated pewter and studded with glittering crystals, this ornate decoration is exclusive to the Historic Royal Palaces shop. Keep it proudly on display in a cabinet, or you could even use the hanging loop to turn it into a Christmas tree ornament, if you like.
Rice Paper Cake Toppers
No garden party is complete without cake. These rice paper toppers will ensure your offerings are less Victoria sponge and more Elizabeth II – much more appropriate, in this instance!
Cheviot Ceramics Queen's Platinum Jubilee Mug
A subtle design finished with traditional royal purple crowns; these are lovingly hand-painted to order, so you know you're getting something thoughtful to commemorate this special occasion.
Royal Collection Shop Longest Reigning Monarch Commemorative Oval Charger
Okay, this charger plate is expensive, but it is handmade from fine bone china and finished with burnished 22-carat gold detailing, so it is a really exquisite piece. Plus, we're sure you agree that a Platinum jubilee party deserves something extra special to celebrate properly. Put this plate pride of place on your table to show off your afternoon tea spread for your do.
Emma Bridgewater Crown Jewels Tea Towel
With its ornate crown, orb and sceptre design, this lovely Emma Bridgewater design will pay homage to our queen while brightening up your kitchen (and helping with the washing up!).
Traditional tones in white, blue and red here for this tea towel – and there's some matching bunting available, too.
More tea towels here – choose your favourite design, or collect all three!
Harrods HM Queen Elizabeth II Teapot
To match the charger plate above, this charming teapot will finish off your royal scheme perfectly. We just love the little crown on the lid.
Emma-Louise Pritchard is the Membership Director for Country Living UK & House Beautiful UK, previously Executive Digital Editor for Country Living UK. Emma-Louise is a digital expert specialising in content strategy, social media and newsletters. Her topics include sustainability, homes and interiors, gardening, health and wellbeing, pets, travel and countryside news. She has previously written for Good Housekeeping and Cosmopolitan and has won several awards, from AOP Digital Editor of the Year 2019 to PPA 30 Under 30. Emma-Louise studied at Cardiff University where she completed an MA in Magazine Journalism.
