It’s a Jubilee year with the King of Sweden marking his Golden celebrations. A reign reaching 50 years is a major celebration and in 2002, the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II was a momentous occasion across the Commonwealth. 

Although the year started off with personal difficulties for Queen Elizabeth II, with the death of her sister and mother within a six week span, it was a joyous year with celebrations in the UK and across the Commonwealth to mark her 50 years on the throne. 

Events in the UK were held throughout the year with main celebrations in May, June and July of 2022. A four-day weekend from 1 to 4 June was the highlight. 

Embed from Getty Images

On the 1st, Prom at the Palace was held on the grounds of Buckingham Palace where 12,500 people were able to enjoy classical music performed by the BBC Symphony and BBC Symphony Chorus for Queen Elizabeth II. 

Embed from Getty Images

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh attended a Service of Thanksgiving at St. George’s Chapel on June 2nd, with other members of the Royal Family attending services throughout the UK.

The Party at the Palace was a pop concert also held in the Buckingham Palace Gardens on June 3rd, and featured countless performers including Queen, Phil Collins, Bryan Adams, Elton John, and Paul McCartney. However, the most famous moment came when Brian May played ‘God Save The Queen’ from the top of Buckingham Palace. It became an iconic image of the year in the UK.

Embed from Getty Images

The weekend finished on June 4th with a national Service of Thanksgiving, and a flypast over Buckingham Palace. Queen Elizabeth II was joined by the entire Royal Family on the balcony to watch the flypast with over 1 million people gathering. 

Embed from Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip undertook several Jubilee tours in 2002, including a twelve day tour of Canada in the autumn. The couple also undertook goodwill visits across the UK to visit as many areas as possible.