All weekend, her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was trending on Twitter. This is why. She is the first and only British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee.
The Queen has begun her platinum jubilee year, marking a 70-year reign that now makes her the longest-ruling monarch in British and Commonwealth history.
King George VI died on the morning of Feb. 6, 1952, while Princess Elizabeth was in Kenya. She acceded to the throne immediately upon his death, though did not enjoy an official coronation until the following year.
“As I look ahead with a sense of hope and optimism to the year of my Platinum Jubilee, I am reminded of how much we can be thankful for,” the Queen said in a statement”.
She said she has been fortunate to have had the loving support of family, and was blessed that in Prince Philip she had a partner willing to carry out the role of consort until his death last year.
“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,” she wrote.
Canada Post has unveiled a new stamp to commemorate the platinum jubilee.
As Canada’s head of state, the Queen has been featured on more than 70 Canadian stamps that have been issued for royal visits, historical events and her previous silver, golden and diamond jubilees.
The new stamp features the Royal Mail’s profile of the Queen which was sculpted by Arnold Machin, and will be available at post offices starting Monday.
Governor General Mary Simon also issued a statement to congratulate the Queen on the occasion.
She said for the past 70 years, the Queen “has been a reassuring and constant figure of compassion and poise.”
Premier Jason Kenney issued this statement yesterday:
“Today, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her Platinum Jubilee – 70 years of continuous service to Canada, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. This remarkable achievement makes her Britain’s longest-reigning and longest-lived monarch.
“Her Majesty’s reign has consistently been characterized by her sense of duty and her devotion to a life of service. Since ascending the throne at the age of 25, she has been a voice of reason, bringing stability to the United Kingdom, from the chaotic post-war era and economic woes to social unrest and the pandemic.
“Over the years, Albertans have had the great honour of hosting her on six separate occasions, in 1951, 1959, 1973, 1978, 1990 and 2005, and we hope to do so again.
“Ruling with wisdom informed by seven decades of experience, she faces challenges with endurance and adversity with grace. She has embraced change, modernizing the monarchy when opportunity arises, showing a commitment to adapt to the circumstances of a rapidly evolving world.
“Believing public and voluntary service to be one of the most important elements of her work, Her Majesty is associated with more than 600 charities, military associations, professional bodies and public service organizations. To this day, she continues her tireless charity work.
“I encourage Albertans to join me in celebrating Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, whether by becoming involved with Jubilee celebrations in your communities or creating your own. Supporting a charity of your choice is another excellent way to honour Her Majesty’s commitment to service and lifetime of work.
“Long live the Queen.”
