On February 6, Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee – marking 70 years of the British throne- but it's in June the party really gets going!

On June 2nd the Queen's Birthday Parade kicks off the festivities, with more than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, 400 musicians and carriages galore parading from Buckingham Palace. The weekend also includes a service of thanksgiving at St. Pauls Cathedral; a derby at Epsom Downs; a Platinum party at the palace broadcast live on the BBC; and a Platinum Jubilee pageant, a "festival of creativity" complete with puppets, magic, music and more. 

The last big celebration the UK saw was Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, celebrating 60 years on the throne. London saw over 130'000 people fill the streets for a glimpse of the Queen during her parade through London, finishing along the Mal and into Buckingham Palace, where she made a balcony appearance accompanied by members of her family. The entire country was captured by Jubilee fever, which culminated in a live concert in Hyde Park continuing the celebrations into the night, followed by a spectacular fireworks display.

Ten years later, the nation excitedly anticipates a Platinum Jubilee and at 96 years old, Queen Elizabeth II continues to impress with her unfailing commitment in her role as Queen. During her reign she has totted up an impressive list of achievements. She is the most travelled monarch in history, visiting 117 countries, meeting 6 popes and 13 US presidents and has given speeches in at least 11 different languages!

During her reign she has seen in 14 prime ministers for the UK and witnessed the country recover from a world war, for which she played an active part; driving ambulances at 18 years old! The country has changed a lot in 70 years and The Queen’s impressive reign has so captured the heart of the world, that she has even inspired several films and a major Netflix TV series covering her life, in The Crown.

The Platinum Jubilee will mark a moment in history that has only been achieved by two other monarchs in the world, so it really is a moment to celebrate.

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