“Yet another remarkable milestone for a remarkable Queen”

On February 6, Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to have reigned for 65 years since the accession to the throne. Before that, the queen became Britain’s longest-reigning monarch in September 2015.

The current event is special in that she marks the Sapphire Jubilee having reigned for 23,742 days. Before her, the last and only monarch to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee after 60 years on the throne was Queen Victoria.

On this occasion, the Crown published a symbolic photo, portraying Queen Elizabeth wearing a necklace and earrings made of 16 oblong sapphires studded with diamonds. Then-Princess Elizabeth received these jewels in 1947 as a wedding gift from her father King George VI. Photographer David Bailey said: “She has very kind eyes with a mischievous glint. I have always liked strong women, and she is a very strong woman.”

British Prime Minister Theresa May also congratulated the Queen on the jubilee, calling her “truly an inspiration to all of us.” “Today’s Sapphire Jubilee marks yet another remarkable milestone for our remarkable Queen. I know the nation will join with me today in celebrating and giving thanks for the lifetime of service Her Majesty the Queen has given to our country and to the Commonwealth.”

REUTERS photo

In particular, the head of the British government noted the Queen’s intention to forego the noisy celebrations of the jubilee and called it “a testament to her selfless devotion to the nation.”

It is worth recalling that during the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations, former Prime Minister of the UK David Cameron called her “a rock of stability” for the nation during her reign.

“I am in principle a republican but I also am a strong supporter of the Queen. She is an important symbol of national unity and of continuity with the past. I doubt the monarchy will survive the next 90 years and I am not sure it ought to,” senior vice president of the Center for European Policy Analysis Edward Lucas said when commenting for The Day on Queen Elizabeth’s reign’s importance for the UK.

Traditionally, the Queen celebrates the day of her ascension to the throne in Sandringham House, which is a private residence, and gets back to Buckingham Palace in a few days. In this way, the Queen stresses that this date is for her not a happy event in life, but is full of sadness instead, because 25-year-old Princess Elizabeth ascended the throne on February 6, 1952, the day when her father King George died, even though the ceremony of coronation took place on June 2, 1953.

Despite having transferred some of her royal responsibilities to other members of the family, she continues to lead an active public life. In particular, the Queen made an appearance at the official celebration of her 90th birthday wearing a striking neon green dress.

Elizabeth II became ill shortly before Christmas and New Year and could not attend the festive church service, but as soon as she recovered, the Queen made a few public appearances.

The 65th anniversary of the Queen’s reign was marked by the Royal Mint as well, which cast collectible coins of different metals which show a profile of the queen. Five-pound coins, the cheapest of which can be purchased for 13 pounds, are decorated with a quote from the young princess Elizabeth’s appeal to the people: “My whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service.” The most expensive coin, having nominal value of 1,000 pounds, is sold for 49,995 pounds and features the royal coat of arms on the reverse. The design of all coins was personally approved by Queen Elizabeth II.

Traditional celebrations were held in London on that day: a 41-gun royal salute took place in Green Park at noon, and another 62 shots thundered in the Tower of London an hour later. Also, the orchestra of the Royal Artillery held a performance, and 89 horses pulled a few First World War-era field guns through the park.

REUTERS photo

No other events were held in London. The authorities have promised to organize large-scale celebrations of the Platinum Jubilee of the Queen’s reign in 2022, when Elizabeth will mark 70 years on the throne and her 96th birthday.

Nevertheless, this year’s celebrations were marred by demonstrations against the planned visit to London by US President Donald Trump because of the entry ban he imposed on citizens of seven predominantly Muslim nations. The petition calling for the government to cancel the invitation for Trump’s official state visit to the UK has already hit 1,845,000 signatures. In particular, it states that Trump should be allowed entry to the UK as head of the US government, but he should not be invited for an official state visit, because it “would cause embarrassment to Her Majesty the Queen.”