Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, Details announced

A year before Queen Elizabeth II diamond jubilee celebrations get underway in the UK, the palace has announced the itinerary. The Queen will be 86 at the time of next year's celebrations.

Many have long thought that she wanted to hold the record for the longest serving monarch and or Queen of the British Isles. Others just believe she has continued to reign as her children have been so troubled in recent years. Finding a suitable successor will not be easy. Perhaps this is why many pundits believe it will be Prince William rather than Charles who will ultimately succeed to the throne.

Love or loathe them there is no doubt that the British Royal Family are good at pomp and ceremony. You only have to look at the recent wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

The royals may berate the media at times but they like to court it when it suits. Special anniversaries and jubilee celebrations are always good for cementing "the firm" deeper in its foundations.

The palace and government are expecting the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of 2012 to provide a good lead up to the London Olympics and be a huge success. You may think that with such austere times this might not be the case. Look back to the last jubilee celebration and you will see that you are probably wrong.

The one good thing for many UK residents is that we will receive an additional day's leave from work, as an extra Bank Holiday. Yippee. Now for the itinerary for those who may want to join in.

Official website for the British Monarchy here

Saturday 2nd June 2012

The Queen is an avid racegoer and horse lover. This day will be the Epsom Derby. In 2011 the Queen's horse only managed third place this year the Queen will be hoping to do better.

Sunday 3rd June 2012

Today will be heralded the "big jubilee launch". The Queen will lead a flotilla of 1,000 boats along the Thames It is estimated that at least 30,000 people will be on the water. The Fltoilla will be the grandest river pageant since the reign of Charles II.

A special barge will transport the royal family who will disembark at Tower Bridge. There visit to Tower Bridge will not mirror those of some Royals in the past. It will be no "off with their heads". Instead they will watch the other vessels go past. Organisers expect that more than a million people will gather at the water’s edge for the flotilla, in effect the seven mile spectacle.

Those organising the Diamond Jubilee hope that this will be the day that people around the UK attend organised street parties. Although these are popular with kids and families they can be a nightmare for other neighbours. Many were held for the last Jubilee, the Queen's Golden one.

Monday 4th June 2012.

Buckingham Palace will be hosting a live, televised concert on this day. This was a success during the Golden Jubilee. Those appearing have yet to be confirmed. Tickets will be allocated through a ballot. Prices are unknown yet but they could be free.

The organisers also hope that 2012 beacons will be lit around the UK, and the ever decreasing commonwealth.

Tuesday 5th June 2012.

This day it expected to be a more formal; day of celebration. The great British public may have different plans though. This extra day's leave from workcould be used for a day out, a long weekend, a BBQ or whatever. For the Royals it will include service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s and a carriage procession through London.

There is no doubt that the Queen has served this country well all these years. Whether the wages bill fits the job is debatable. Of course it is the host of hangers on who most people deplore.

Right now the UK is still struggling financially. Yes in such times some clebrations are vital. Look at the frivolous movies which became popular during the great depression.

However, if the global economy considers to worsen and the UK follows suit these celebrations will be deemed an unnecessary cost by most people.

Having made it this far please take the time to rate this hub and if appropriate, vote FUNNY/ USEFUL/ AWESOME or BEAUTIFUL. Check out the ads to offer this writer some recompense for her time. Thank-you

Join the Hubbers at Hubpages to participate yourself.