Long Live the Queen! Platinum Jubilee is a spectacular global tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

By Deandrea Hamilton & Dana Malcolm

Editorial Staff

#UnitedKingdom, June 6, 2022 –  Her Majesty made a surprise appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace as the Platinum Jubilee Weekend of Celebrations closed out, she said:  “When it comes to how to mark 70 years as your Queen, there is no guidebook to follow. It really is a first. But I have been humbled and deeply touched that so many people have taken to the streets to celebrate my platinum jubilee.

While I may not have attended every event in person, my heart has been with you all; and I remain committed to serving you to the best of my ability, supported by my family.

I have been inspired by the kindness, joy and kinship that has been so evident in recent days, and I hope this renewed sense of togetherness will be felt for many years to come.

I thank you all most sincerely for your good wishes and for the part you have all played in these happy celebrations.”

The final formal service of the Queens Platinum Jubilee was held on Sunday at Saint Mary’s Pro Cathedral in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands and the monarch was celebrated with song and tributes.

Governor Nigel Dakin, the Queens representative in the Turks and Caicos explained the history behind the 70 year commemoration and the beacon bonfire held over the weekend.

He said 2.3 billion people were connected by the Beacons, which were lit but the original concept of lighting up the beacon dates back 434 years, when purpose was more military than anything else.

“Britain was facing an invasion from the Spanish Armada, a huge force of 130 galleons… they were going to sail north to pick up a huge French army to invade Britain. A set of beacons were set up across the south coast of England to offer early warning that the ships had been sighted…they were the beacons were lit and London was informed.”

Following that, a British fleet was dispatched which beat the Spanish armada, shared HE Dakin.  In describing the most recent beacons, he said these were more to “to join the world.”

In terms of the jubilee, that has its roots in religion. Celebrated every 50 years by the Jewish people, the jubilee was a time to forgive debts and enjoy quality time with family. Dakin expressed his hope that TCI Islanders had been able to spend some quality time with their families as well.

A prayer was offered for the Queen in thanks for her years of service.

Hours before, in London the Queen would release a video with the world Famous Paddington Bear another British icon.  The two, seated at a quaint spot in the palace joked over a marmalade sandwich for the Platinum Jubilee Party; Paddington’s stuffed in his signature red hat, the Queen’s shoved in her ever present perfect purse.

It was hilarious and reminded that even at 96 years old, and without her dear husband Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth valued a good chuckle and was always full of unexpected charm and wit.

As many would have shouted and chanted over the weekend, across the globe:  “Long Live the Queen!”