Diamond Jubilee

Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee marks 60 years since she took the throne in 1952. The Queen is only the second UK monarch to mark 60 years on the throne, Queen Victoria (63 years) being the other.

The celebration which started on June 2nd consisted of four days of events which the Queen attended. Monday and Tuesday were bank holidays so most of the country was off work to enjoy the celebration.  The events included the Epsom Derby, the Thames River Diamond Jubilee Pageant (flotilla), which consisted of 1,000 boats floating up the Thames river to Tower Bridge, Concert at Buchingham Palace and service at St. Pauls Cathederal. We attended the flotilla near Chelsea Bridge and watched the first sets of boats go by. There were thousands of people lining the river and bridge and a lot of the neiboring parks were showing the procession on big screen TVs.  We stayed for a while but then it got a little too cold and rainy for Henry so we called it a day.  

The entire 4 days were quite a celebration, not only in London, but across the UK. The Union Jack flag was everywhere.  Each town we visited was decorated in bunting showing their patriotism. We really enjoyed seeing how each town was celebrating the event, it was great time to be in the UK.