As we celebrate 63 years of Queen Elizabeth’s reign on September 9th 2015, Label looks at the top 3 events which went on throughout her time on the throne, some that you’ll remember too!
The Royal Wedding
Kate and Will’s Royal Wedding will be something that will eternally be sold as souvenirs, and something which Great Britain will always celebrate! Held on Friday 29th 2011, millions of people across the country and the world watched both through their TV sets and on site as the elegant couple walked the aisle of Westminster Abbey. Kate wore a fabulous gown designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen, and the happy couple were escorted off in their car with “Just Wed” on the number plate.
Fun fact: Now titled as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, they were rumoured to have a spectacularly fancy honeymoon in the Seychelles!
The Golden Jubilee
The Golden Jubilee marked and celebrated the Queen’s 50 years of ruling. Queen Elizabeth II in particular showed personal and official gratitude for people’s support throughout her time on the throne. Both the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh travelled around the UK from February to August hosting receptions, concerts, garden parties and many other events. The Queen’s speech highlighted: ‘It is especially an opportunity to thank all those of you who help others in your own local communities through public or voluntary service. I would like to think that your work will be particularly recognised during this Jubilee year’.
Fun fact: the fireworks display held on Buckingham Palace’s roof required over 2.5 tons of explosives! One could say it ‘went out with a bang’.
The wedding of Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
On 20 November 1947, the Queen got married at Westminster Abbey in London. Altogether, she had 8 bridesmaids including her younger sister and various cousins. Over 200 million people tuned in to the radio broadcast across the globe, and was recorded. Overall the couple were given over 2,500 wedding gifts and just under 10,000 telegrams congratulating the newlyweds. They celebrated their honeymoon in Hampshire, where Philip’s uncle lived.
Fun fact: The Duke of Edinburgh is now 94, and is the oldest ever male member of the Royal British family.
Interested in the history of Queen Elizabeth II and her family links? Check out our article here!
Alice Priestley
Photography by Katie Wilson
