This weekend, the United Kingdom will be decked out in red, white, and blue, with the Union Jack flying everywhere as the country celebrates Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. This year marks 70 years the queen has led the UK and the Commonwealth, and celebrations are planned all year.
Let’s take a look at some of the places that will be part of official celebrations, as well as some places important to the longest reigning British monarch in history.
Westminster Abbey, London, UK
While traveling in Kenya, Elizabeth found out her father had passed away on February 6, 1952, and she was now queen. She returned home to Britain and ascended to the throne. But it wasn’t until June 2, 1953 that she was officially crowned queen at Westminster Abbey.
More than three million people gathered along the route to the Abbey in 1953, which has been the site of every British coronation since 1066. People will again gather at the abbey this weekend, for special tours of the church, and the roof.
Tower of London, London, UK
The Tower of London has played an important part of royal history for a thousand years, and currently holds the Crown Jewels of England. During the Jubilee, the Tower will be open for tours, with a special floral display in the historic moat. Several pieces of the Crown Jewels will be on display, as well as other historical and important pieces from British history.
Horse Guards Parade, London, UK
The celebration of the Jubilee will coincide with the Queen’s official birthday. An important celebration for the birthday is the Trooping the Color which is a military parade that starts at Buckingham Palace and culminates at the Horse Guards Parade on the opposite end of St. James Park, where the Queen or her representative inspect the troops.
On June 2, the long weekend celebration will kick off with the Trooping the Color, which always ends with a flyover by the Royal Air Force. Members of the royal family gather on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to view the festivities, greet the crowds, and pose for photos.
Buckingham Palace, London, UK
Along with the Trooping the Color, Buckingham Palace will be the center of celebrations for tourists lucky enough to get a tour of the central palace. Special for the occasion, there will be displays of crown jewels and the Queen’s jewelry, carriages, and tiaras.
On June 4, there will also be a concert live from the palace. Buckingham Palace has been an important part of British royal history since the 1700s, and became the institutional center of the monarchy when Queen Victoria came to the throne.
Epsom Downs, Surrey, UK
The Queen has long been a true fan of horse breeding and racing. On Saturday, June 4, the Queen will attend the Derby at Epsom Downs, along with members of her family. The tradition of royalty attending races at Epsom Downs is hundreds of years old, and Elizabeth has fully embraced the tradition. After a rough few years, it will be a welcome activity for the dedicated monarch.
Saint Paul’s Cathedral, London, UK
On Friday, the Queen will participate in a service of Thanksgiving held at Saint Paul’s Cathedral. The cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of London, and has been an important and recognizable part of London for close to 2,000 years.
There will be a display at the Cathedral for the next six months, featuring the jubilees of George III, Victoria, George V, and Elizabeth II.
Windsor Castle, Windsor, UK
Leading up to the Jubilee, several of the Queen’s residences and properties will be open to the public, with displays honoring the queen and her time as queen. Windsor Castle will be one of the most popular destinations. Displays at Windsor will include the coronation robes and attire from the 1953 event.
Just outside London, the castle was built by William the Conqueror, and has been an official residence since the 1200s. Since 2012, Elizabeth has made the palace a primary residence. It holds special sentiment for her, as she and her sister stayed here during the worst of the bombings during World War II.
Balmoral Castle, Scotland
The Queen has enjoyed spending holidays and summers at Balmoral in Scotland. Queen Victoria loved the location as well, and developed the property. Since then, royalty have gathered there for informal retreats, Christmas celebrations, hunting excursions, and more.
The castle will be open for tours during the Jubilee weekend, and will have a special display on “Life at Balmoral” featuring favorite attire and accessories used at the rural castle.
These are just a few of the many important locations featured in the official celebrations. The Queen has invited everyone to participate in street parties, picnics, gatherings, and service projects, especially planting trees. She hopes that people will get to know their neighbors, make a difference, and extend her legacy by leaving the world a better place.