2022 marks the year of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, which will see celebratory events around the world to mark the historic occasion. Australia, one of the largest Commonwealth nations, is no different.
The Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, has announced the country’s plans to mark the Jubilee.
“Seventy years of service is a truly immense achievement, and we are proud to join with other Commonwealth nations to celebrate this milestone,” Mr Morrison said.
“Her Majesty has always held a deep affection and close connection with the people of Australia. We plan to hold a range of events to coincide with key dates throughout 2022, to show our respect and appreciation for seven decades of service.”
The Australian Prime Minister also revealed celebrations will include the lighting of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacon in Canberra, the release of commemorative stamps and coins, as well as illuminating monuments all around Australia.
The Queen at a service to mark the centenary of the Royal Australian Air Force at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Air Forces Memorial in Runnymede
The Queen will also have an Australian island, Aspen Island, named after her.
“Aspen Island in Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin, the home of the National Carillon, will be renamed Queen Elizabeth II Island during a special event in June 2022,” the Prime Minister said.
“Given the National Carillon was officially opened by Her Majesty in 1970, it is only fitting that Aspen Island should be renamed in recognition of her many years of service to Australia.
“This ceremony will also include dedicating the new Queen Elizabeth Water Gardens, which will transform the nearby foreshore as well as improve water quality.”
Queen Elizabeth II has visited Australia on 16 occasions throughout her reign, the most recent being in 2011. However, she then began to scale back her long-haul international travel due to her age.
In 2021, The Queen made a public appearance to celebrate 100 years of the Australian Air Force, which was her first public engagement of 2021.
A medal has been released to mark The Queen’s 70 years on the throne (DCMS/Crown Copyright)
2022 will be a year of celebrations to mark The Queen’s 70 years on the throne, with a four-day Bank Holiday weekend in June in the UK. Celebrations across the special weekend will include Trooping the Colour, the lighting of beacons, a Service of Thanksgiving, a Platinum Pageant and a concert making The Queen’s historic reign.
The winning logo for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. (@RoyalFamily/Twitter)
The medal to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee has also been revealed, which will be awarded to show the Monarch’s gratitude for their public service, include living individual recipients of the George Cross and Victoria Cross, as well as Members of the Royal Household with one year of qualifying service. We also expect to see Royals awarded this for their service to Her Majesty.
A special logo has been chosen for the occasion, designed by a budding graphic design student.
A new range of chinaware has additionally been unveiled by the Royal Collection Trust to celebrate. The design of the special set takes its inspiration from Her Majesty’s Robe of Estate, worn to her coronation on 2 June 1953. The designs are set against a deep purple background, and feature golden olive leaves and ears of wheat, symbolising peace and plenty. Products can be purchased online from the Royal Collection Trust website.
