Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012 marked an extraordinary milestone — 60 years of her reign.
Only the second British Monarch to reach this landmark, after Queen Victoria in 1897, Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee was celebrated with a series of grand events, both in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth. The celebrations showcased public admiration for the late Queen and her enduring legacy.
A Global Celebration
The official celebrations spanned the entire year, with the primary events taking place in early June. Many Commonwealth countries honoured the occasion with their own tributes, reflecting the Queen’s role as Head of State in multiple nations. Street parties, parades, and exhibitions were organised worldwide, with millions joining in to celebrate her reign.
The Central Events in the UK
19th May
The Armed Forces Diamond Jubilee Parade and Muster took place on this day at Windsor Castle to honour Elizabeth II’s 60-year reign and mark her relationship with the Armed Forces as their Commander-in-Chief.
The Queen Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh and the Heads of the Armed Forces. (Defence Imagery)
It began with a ‘Diamond Nine’ formation flypast of RAF Typhoons over Windsor Castle before more than 2,500 Service personnel from the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force paraded through the Castle Quadrangle in front of the Queen.
Heading through the town, the parade was cheered along by thousands of well-wishers before mustering in a specially-built arena in the grounds of the castle.
Members of the Armed Forces line up on parade at Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Parade and Muster at Windsor Castle in May 2012. (Defence Imagery)
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh then made their way along the parade route in her Bentley State Limousine to join them. Already assembled in the audience were other members of the Royal Family as well as members of foreign Royal Families, the Service Chiefs, ministers, and more than 3,000 Service personnel, their families and veterans.
The Queen spoke at the event. (Defence Imagery)
Then followed a drumhead service, speeches by the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir David Richards, and Her Majesty, the performance of new pieces of music written for the event.
To close the celebrations, a 78-aircraft flypast from all three Services took place which included helicopters, the Lancaster and Spitfires of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Hercules, VC10 and Tornado aircraft, Hawks flying in an ‘E II R’ formation, and Tucanos flying in a ‘60’ formation – finishing with the world-renowned Red Arrows.
Sunday 3rd June
One of the most iconic moments of the Diamond Jubilee was the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant on June 3, 2012. The pageant featured a 1,000-boat flotilla that sailed along the River Thames, making it one of the largest gatherings of boats in history. Inspired by the royal river processions of the past, the flotilla was seven miles long and included a diverse range of vessels, from historic ships and rowing boats to modern motorboats and Royal Navy vessels.
At the heart of the procession was the Royal Barge, the Spirit of Chartwell, which carried Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry. The barge was lavishly decorated with golden ornamentation, flowers, and royal insignias, creating a regal setting befitting the occasion.
Members of the Royal Family – The Prince of Wales, Duke of Edinburgh, The Queen, The Duchess of Cornwall, Duchess of Cambridge, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry – aboard the Spirit of Chartwell during the Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames
As the flotilla sailed from Battersea Bridge to Tower Bridge, it passed through historic London landmarks, where crowds of over one million spectators lined the riverbanks to catch a glimpse of the royal procession. Each section of the pageant paid homage to different aspects of British history, culture, and the Commonwealth.
As the pageant neared its conclusion, a gun salute from HMS Belfast and a rendition of “Rule, Britannia!” signified the event’s grandeur. The Queen and the Royal Family waved to the crowds from their barge near Tower Bridge, while the London Philharmonic Orchestra performed a rousing finale, marking the end of an unforgettable day.
Monday 4th June
A grand concert was held in front of Buckingham Palace. Organised by Gary Barlow, the event featured performances from artists such as Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Stevie Wonder. The concert ended with the Queen lighting the National Beacon, part of a chain of over 4,200 beacons lit across the UK and Commonwealth.
On the Monday, a host of famous faces came together to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee against the backdrop of Buckingham Palace for a concert organised by Take That singer and songwriter Gary Barlow for the BBC. Performers included Will.i.am, Stevie Wonder, Grace Jones and Kylie Minogue.
At the conclusion of the Concert, Charles delivered a heartfelt speech honouring his mother’s six decades of service. Addressing her as “Your Majesty… Mummy,” he expressed gratitude on behalf of the nation, the Commonwealth, and the world for her unwavering dedication.
He also acknowledged Prince Philip’s absence due to hospitalisation, wishing him a speedy recovery. The speech was followed by the National Anthem and a spectacular fireworks display, marking a memorable finale to the evening’s celebrations.
Following the concert, the Queen lit the National Beacon – one of a network of 2,012 Beacons which were lit by communities and individuals throughout the UK, Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Commonwealth.
Tuesday 5th June
A Service of Thanksgiving was held at St. Paul’s Cathedral, attended by the Royal Family, government officials, and dignitaries. Despite the absence of the Duke of Edinburgh, who was hospitalised for a bladder infection, the Queen carried out the day’s events.
Elizabeth II attended a Service of Thanksgiving to mark her Diamond Jubilee. (Defence Imagery)
The service featured a carefully curated selection of scripture readings, prayers, and hymns, reflecting the Queen’s deep faith and dedication to her people. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, delivered a moving sermon that emphasised Her Majesty’s commitment to ‘a life led in service to others’
A notable highlight was the performance of “The Call of Wisdom,” a specially commissioned anthem composed by Will Todd and sung by the Diamond Choir, consisting of 40 children from across the UK. Traditional hymns such as “Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer” and “I Vow to Thee, My Country” also resonated throughout the cathedral, adding to the solemn grandeur of the occasion.
Following the service, the Queen and senior members of the Royal Family attended a reception at Mansion House, hosted by the Lord Mayor of London. Later, they embarked on a grand carriage procession back to Buckingham Palace, cheered on by thousands of spectators lining the streets.
The event concluded with the Royal Family appearing on the Buckingham Palace balcony. There was also an aerial flypast by the Red Arrows and historic aircraft, including the Lancaster Bomber, Spitfires, and a Hurricane, a nod to the Queen’s wartime service during World War II. This spectacular display was met with roaring applause from the crowds gathered below.
The Queen on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London as she celebrates her Diamond Jubilee with Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry in June 2012.
Royal Tours and Visits
Across the Commonwealth, special events were held to commemorate the occasion. Australia issued commemorative coins and stamps, Canada organised a special tour for the then-Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh travelled as widely as possible across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, visiting every region during 2012, whilst other members of the Royal family visited all of the Commonwealth realms (countries where The Queen is Head of State). between them.
Legacy of the Diamond Jubilee
The Diamond Jubilee left a lasting impact. It also saw the launch of charitable initiatives such as the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, which aimed to combat issues like avoidable blindness and youth development in Commonwealth nations.
Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee was a rare and historic event, celebrating her dedication to public service and the strong bond between the monarchy and the people. It reinforced her role as a steadfast leader through decades of change, paving the way for her eventual Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
