Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will join Jubilee procession

22/03/2012

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The UK has two huge events this year. 2012 is the year that the London, UK, will host the Olympics
and the year that Queen Elizabeth II will celebrate her Diamond Jubilee. 60 glorious years on the UK throne.

Royal watchers are in seventh heaven. Republicans are already sick to the back teeth of all the Jubilee publicity. However we must get used to it, as it is not going away, at least not yet.

The Queen's Jubilee precedes the Olympics. The latest event to be revealed to the media is a carriage procession. Royal promoters have already sussed that the latest big Royal attraction is the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. William and especially Kate are much sought after. THeir attendance at any event is sure to lead to huge publicity and record crowds.

Of course the other reason to "bring out the big guns" could be because the couple are liable to be the next rulers of the UK. It should of course be Prince Charles who succeeds to the throne but many believe that it will in fact by his son Wilklaim and his wife Kate.

The Queen, Prince Philip, Prince William and Princess Catherine will all share a carriage. Whilst others such as Charles and Harry will also be in the procession they will nt be in the same carriage as the four previously mentioned. The procession is set to take place on June 5, 2012 and will travel through Westminster in London. It is expected that thousands of well wishers will turn out to watch the procession and enjoy the day's events.

For William and Kate it will be their first formal carriage ride since their wedding in April 2011.
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Queen Elizabeth II 60 glorious years

06/02/2012

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Yesterday, February 5, 2012, the Queen and some members of the British Royal family were cheered on by well wishers as they attended Sunday church service on the Sandringham estate. In truth the crowds were smaller than perhaps was anticipated but severe weather had took its toll. Of course it was not extreme weather in the great scheme of things but enough snow for the usual mayhem that follows such events in the UK to occur. In many ways yesterday was the start, proper, of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

60 years ago today young Elizabeth heard the sad news of her father's death back home in the UK. She and her husband of four years, Prince Philip, were on vacation in Kenya. When the news was telephoned through to the royal party it was some time before the Queen was actually informed. A code used to inform the party was misunderstood causing some delay. In the end Philip broke the news to his wife. 

For the Queen this year will be a time for celebration but tinged with the sadness of that day. By and large her reign has been successful and she has weathered the changing times and life's trials and tribulations quite well. The lowest point for the popularity of the monarchy probably came with the divorce of Charles and Diana, revelations about his long standing affair with his now wife Camilla and the death of Diana. Many people still believe that Diana died as some part of a royal conspiracy.

Prime Minister Tony Blair in many ways "saved" the royals during this time. Out of step with many Republican Labour politicians he saw the worth and value of the crown. He admired the Queen and did all he could to offer support and guidance during this time. He has since been snubbed on more than one occasion by the same family. He was noticeable by his absence at the wedding of William and Kate yet other past Prime Ministers were all too evident.

This blogger may tend toward the Republican view, even with age, but many people around the world will enjoy the splendour of the 2012 Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. The celebrations will be held early in June. Before then though there will be various events up and down the country for those so inclined to enjoy.

The Queen has been on throne all through this blogger's lifetime. Memories drift back to the mid 1950s and a visit to our city by the Queen. With an ardent Royalist Mother of course we were taken to see the Queen.  In reality all we had was a glimpse of a smiling young woman waving as the black limo sailed past. It was enough though for Mum and the others who had turned out in force. The effort of dressing the children in Sunday best, with the girls resplendent with red, white and blue ribbons, in their hair was rewarded by that wave and smile. The weather was kind but, had it not been, nothing would have stopped us attending.

Time's have certainly changed but the Queen in so many ways has remained steadfast for 60 years. 60 Glorious years? Yes, I guess so.
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UK Diamond Jubilee 60 glorious images

03/02/2012

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2012 is Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee . It is 60 years since she came to the throne of Great Britain and its realms, following the death of her beloved father. As she and her husband, Prince Phillip, prepare for a wide ranging series of public events this year, an exhibition of 60 of the most evocative images of the Queen's reign has gone on display.

The images may have been carefully selected but they do show a warmer side to the Queen. They include images with family members, including the late Princess Diana, meetings with famous people from around the globe and highlights from her many world tours and state visits.

Royal photographer Arthur Edwards has said the his best images are those when the Queen smiles. He has said that her smile radiates and can make that extra special shot.
Queen Elizabeth II replaced her father, King George VI, as monarch following his death on 6 February 1952.

The exhibition is being held at Windsor Castle and will run from February 4, 2012 until October 28, 2012. Book online here
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