Queen Elizabeth II’s reign achieved platinum status Sunday as she marks 70 years on the throne with a jubilee celebration.
The British monarch, who has remained a steady figure of leadership during a time of uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the so-called “Partygate” scandal rocking the administration of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, was recognized by leaders both domestic and abroad.
“Today we honor Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the historic occasion of her Platinum Jubilee,” President Joe Biden said on Twitter. “Throughout the past 70 years, she has strengthened the ties of friendship, shared ideals, and faith in democracy that forever unite our countries.”
The 95-year-old queen has seen 13 U.S. presidents during her reign, starting with President Harry S. Truman. The queen met all of them except Lyndon B. Johnson. She met Biden in his capacity as president last June.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II HONORS PRINCE PHILIP IN FIRST CHRISTMAS SPEECH SINCE HIS DEATH
Elizabeth took the throne on Feb. 6, 1952, after the death of her father, King George VI. The elder of two daughters, Elizabeth ascended to the throne at the age of 25. George was the second-born son and fourth in line to the throne at his birth, but his older brother, King Edward VIII, abdicated the throne to marry U.S. divorcee Wallis Simpson, making George the king and Elizabeth heir apparent.
After spending much of her teenage years in a world mired in World War II, Elizabeth devoted her life to her country in a speech at the age of 21.
“I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong,” Elizabeth said during the speech in 1947.
The queen renewed her vow of service in a speech Saturday, during which she said she wants Camilla, duchess of Cornwall and wife of Prince Charles, to be known as “queen consort” when Charles becomes king.
Her Majesty is seen with one of her famous red boxes. Over the past 70 years, The Queen has received daily papers from her Private Secretaries, in person or via a red despatch box. pic.twitter.com/CmbyFiWPpm
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) February 6, 2022
“I would like to express my thanks to you all for your support. I remain eternally grateful for, and humbled by, the loyalty and affection that you continue to give me,” the queen said. “And when, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes king, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me; and it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as queen consort as she continues her own loyal service.”
The jubilee celebration Saturday was the queen’s biggest public appearance since her overnight hospitalization in November. She has since been largely working from her various estates after doctors recommended she minimize her public duties.
Members of both houses of Parliament gifted the queen with a pair of lampposts with the heraldic beasts of the United Kingdom sculpted in bronze at the base. The beasts are the Lion of England, the Unicorn of Scotland, the Dragon of Wales, and the Irish Elk of Northern Ireland. The lamps are supposed to represent the guiding light the queen has been for England during her reign.
The sculptures will be installed outside the houses of Parliament along with the gifts of other major landmarks of the queen’s reign, including the Silver Jubilee fountain in New Palace Yard and the Diamond Jubilee window in Westminster Hall.
“To celebrate a Platinum Jubilee is a unique and historic first, so it is only right that we parliamentarians mark this significant occasion with a token of our respect, affection, appreciation and thanks,” Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the speaker of the House of Commons, said in a press release shared with the Washington Examiner.
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The queen is celebrating the anniversary of her ascension privately with members of her family. The anniversary marks 70 years since the death of her father and is the first anniversary without her husband, Prince Phillip, who died in June. The couple was married for 73 years.
Celebrations honoring her reign are expected to continue throughout the year. However, the biggest celebration is set to occur in June, beginning on the 69th anniversary of her coronation on June 2 and stretching over a 4-day weekend ending June 5.
Buckingham Palace is poised to host a music concert with street parties as the country moves away from COVID-19 restrictions, and a pageant will feature over 5,000 performers, key workers, and volunteers from the Commonwealth and United Kingdom. Beacons will also be lit across the country.
