The Queen's Diamond Jubilee

Find out all about the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, and enjoy photos and watch videos from the incredible celebrations!

In 2012, Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating an incredible 60 years on the throne. In the UK, the weekend of 2-5 June was an extended Bank Holiday, during which everyone joined in with the celebrations.

Find out all about the Diamond Jubilee 2012 here, along with a fascinating look at the Queen's lengthy reign and the ups and downs of the monarchy during this time!

You can also read about the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, from food and street parties to gifts and memorabilia!

Photo Credit: Jubilee Souvenir Art Print

This work is the copyright of the author (2012). Please DO NOT copy this elsewhere either in print or online. Photos are copyright of the credited sources.

Britain officially celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in June 2012, with a special extended Bank Holiday weekend filled with nationwide events, street parties across the country, and special celebrations in London that included an amazing pageant along the Thames, a superb live concert and wonderful parade through London.

The Jubilee celebrations continue, however, as the Queen has many engagements and appearances to make during 2012 as part of her Jubilee year.

A Jubilee celebrates a milestone in a monarch's reign. The Diamond Jubilee marks 60 years on the throne. Only one other British monarch has celebrated a Diamond Jubilee - Queen Victoria in 1897.

Past jubilees for the Queen have been celebrated in 1977 - the Silver Jubilee marking 25 years on the throne, and in 2002 - the Golden jubilee making 50 years. If the Queen achieves a 70 year reign the next jubilee will be in 2022.

This incredible pageant took place on the afternoon of Saturday 2 June 2012. Despite the dreadful weather, the Queen and fellow royals sailed down the Thames on the beautiful royal barge, amidst a superb flotilla of boats and ships of every kind. A truly historic sight!

The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II took place on 2 June 1953, officially crowning her as Queen after she had acceded to the throne the previous year, on 6 February 1952, following the death of her father, King George VI.

The coronation was watched by a huge audience as many families bought or borrowed their very first television sets to watch it on. Neighbours gathered in the homes of those who had televisions in order to see the Queen officially crowned.

The spectacular live concert for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee was organized by Gary Barlow and took place on the evening of Monday 4th June 2012. It featured an incredible line-up of stars. from British faves like Jessie J, Ed Sheeran, Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow, to international stars such as Elton John, Grace Jones, Paul McCartney, Tom Jones, Stevie Wonder and many more.

The videos below include the amazing fireworks display that closed the show, the speech made by Prince Charles, and many of the star performances of the night.

Following the Jubilee service at St Paul's Cathedral, Tuesday 5th June 2012 saw the streets of London lined with scores upon scores of crowds eager to watch the royal parade. True British pomp and circumstance at its very best, with the Queen passing by in the royal carriage and a superb parade by the royal guard, military, royal horses and many more.

Photo Credit: London Calling Cupcakes by catbeurnier via Flickr Creative Commons

There was a wealth of events on over the Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend, from the official celebrations in London, to local fetes, street parties and festivals.

The very first street parties were thought to originate in 1919, and were called "Peace Parties" as people celebrated the Versailles peace treaty after World War I. One of the earliest memories of a street party is that of a Cornish man who recalls attending a street party to mark the Silver Jubilee of King George VI in 1935. Since then, street parties have been held to celebrate national events, most often royal occasions, such as jubilees and royal weddings.

(Source: About the Diamond Jubilee)

These Jubilee-inspired ideas can be adapted to any British or patriotic theme, including the upcoming Olympics, a royal-themed party, Euro 2012 and more!

Jubilee Street Party
Find lots of ideas, supplies and more for your Jubilee Street Party or celebratory gathering. Celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in style, with these grea...

Jubilee Decorations
Looking for Jubilee decorations to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in June? Find inspiration for everything from Jubilee flags and bunting, to balloons...

Jubilee Cupcakes
Want to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee with some fabulous Jubilee cupcakes? Whether you are going the whole hog with a street party or simply want so...

Union Jack Cupcakes
Learn how to make Union Jack cupcakes - the perfect choice for a Diamond Jubilee street party or celebration, supporting Great Britain in the Olympics, or fo...

Red White and Blue Cupcakes
If you want to make red white and blue cupcakes then look no further! Recipes and inspiration for everything from Stars and Stripes or Union Jack cupcakes, t...

Royal Cupcakes
Making cupcakes to mark a royal celebration, like the upcoming Diamond Jubilee? Then these ideas for royal cupcakes are perfect! Find cupcakes with crowns, q...