A British monarch earns a Platinum Jubilee after reigning for 70 years. On February 6, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to reach her Platinum Jubilee. Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee will be celebrated all year. The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year has already started with many celebrations, as well as a shocking announcement from the Queen herself.
On the subject of her Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth stated in February, “Tomorrow, 6th February, marks the 70th anniversary of my Accession in 1952. It is a day that, even after 70 years, I still remember as much for the death of my father, King George VI, as for the start of my reign. As we mark this anniversary, it gives me pleasure to renew to you the pledge I gave in 1947 that my life will always be devoted to your service. As I look ahead with a sense of hope and optimism to the year of my Platinum Jubilee, I am reminded of how much we can be thankful for.”
Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee year holds significance for British citizens, but also for students at Barstow. A queen becoming Britain’s longest-reigning monarch allows Barstow students to watch a major event in history happen before their eyes. The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year has already contained an announcement that will change many aspects of the monarchy and will no doubt continue to act as a momentous year in history.
Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne on February 6, 1952. She became Queen after the death of her father, King George VI. Ever since then, Queen Elizabeth has ruled, bringing prosperity and peace. In addition to Queen Elizabeth, only three other monarchs throughout the world in history have been said to have ruled for at least 70 years. In terms of the British monarchy, until Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria was the longest reigning monarch, ruling for 63 years.
Although the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year is a year of celebration, many shocking events within the royal family have also taken place. Queen Elizabeth made the choice to remove her son, Prince Andrew’s military titles at the start of the year as a result of the sexual assault case against him. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle remain in the United States as no longer members of the royal family.
Finally, the Queen made a shocking announcement on her jubilee: When Prince Charles ascends the throne, his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, will earn the title of Queen.
The Queen announced, “And when, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me; and it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.”
Until now, Camilla was to be known as Princess Consort when Charles became King. The announcement came as a shock to many because the title of Queen had been reserved solely for Princess Diana before her death, and Prince Charles was involved in an affair with Camilla during his marriage to Princess Diana.
Overall, the year of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee marks a significant event in history that should be celebrated. A Queen becoming Britain’s longest-reigning monarch in history will be unique to this generation of the Barstow community far into the future. After Queen Elizabeth’s announcement and other events of the year, the function and purpose of the monarchy has been reshaped for the future. Celebrations this year will continue as the public celebrates Queen Elizabeth and her ongoing rule as Queen.
