Many children will be excited about the royal celebrations, but not quite sure of their significance.
In this blog post, we will share a simple explanation of the Platinum Jubilee 2022 – What’s it all about?
In June, the Queen Elizabeth II will be celebrating her Platinum Jubilee, celebrating an amazing 70 years on the British throne.
This makes her the longest-reigning British monarch and head of state in history, smashing the record set by her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria.
An Unexpected Queen
The Queen was born on 21st April 1926.
Her full name is Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor.
She was named after her mother, Lady Elizabeth, but became known as Lilibet which was how she pronounced her own name as a child.
Prince Harry has named his daughter Lilibet, after this cute childhood nickname of the Queen’s.
Princess (now Queen) Elizabeth had a younger sister, named Margaret.
If you would like some ideas and inspiration for royal baby names check this list (and this one for royal names for boys!)
When she was born, Princess Elizabeth was not expected to become queen.
Her father, Albert, was the Duke of York and it was his older brother, Edward VIII, who was king.
However, when Edward abdicated (gave up) the throne in 1936, Elizabeth’s father became King George VI.
Princess Elizabeth then became heir to the throne.
A long and loving relationship
Princess Elizabeth was married to Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten on 20th November 1947 in a service at Westminster Abbey.
They took the titles of Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
The couple had four children:
- Prince Charles (1948)
- Princess Anne (1950)
- Prince Andrew (1960)
- Prince Edward (1964).
By the end of 2021, the Queen had eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.
Elizabeth and Philip had a long relationship, celebrating their Platinum wedding anniversary (70 years) in 2017, before Prince Philip died last year.
Royal Family Tree
Here’s a diagram of the current royal family tree, to help keep a track of who is who and how all of the princes and princesses are related to the Queen.
When was Queen Elizabeth II Crowned as Queen?
King George VI died on 6th February 1952 and Elizabeth immediately became Queen.
She was crowned on 2nd June 1953 at the age of 25 in Westminster Abbey.
It was the first coronation to be televised. You can watch it here.
Timeline of Queen Elizabeth II
Here is a timeline of Queen II’s life and significant dates, to help understand more visually
Royal Castles and palaces
Throughout most of her reign, the Queen has lived in Buckingham Palace.
She also stays at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, Sandringham House in Norfolk, and Windsor Castle, which has been a royal residence for 900 years and is the largest occupied castle in the world.
Why not make your own royal princess castle out of cardboard with this simple craft idea
How will we celebrate the jubilee?
A jubilee is a special anniversary of the current reigning monarch’s ascension to the throne.
To celebrate this unprecedented platinum jubilee, there will be a special four-day ‘weekend’ from 2nd-5th of June.
Lots of people will celebrate the jubilee by holding a street party in their community.
Check out this list of ideas for royal games for your jubilee party, print out some invitations for your street party, or get ideas for jubilee party food.
Big tables will be set up in closed streets where people from the local area will join together to listen to music, eat party food and play games. Perhaps there will be one in your neighbourhood.
Commonwealth countries around the world, whose head of state is the Queen, will also hold events to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee.
Five fun facts about the Queen
So now you know what is the Platinum Jubilee, here are a few more fun facts about our Queen.
- During the Second World War, when she was 19, Princess Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service where she trained as a driver and mechanic
- Because Britain was still recovering from the War, Elizabeth had to collect ration coupons to buy material for her wedding gown.
- The Queen has owned over 30 corgis.
- Balmoral Castle was bought by Queen Victoria and is one of the Queen’s favourite places to spend the summer.
- There have been 14 Prime Ministers during the Queen’s reign.
Books For Schools for the Jubilee
The government has decided that every primary school will receive a new book that celebrates the achievements of the UK and the Commonwealth over the last 70 years.
It will explore the role of the monarchy and what the platinum jubilee represents.
More Jubilee Fun and Royal Activities for Kids
- Platinum Jubilee Party Food and Jubilee Party Planning Tips
- 22 Royal Party Games for Your Jubilee Party
- Corgi Cake Platinum Jubilee Cake Idea
- Free Printable Jubilee Party Decorations
- Free Printable British Flag Colouring Pages
- Secret Castle Trinket Box craft from The Princess Craft Book
- Royal Baby Names for Boys
- Royal Baby Names for Girls
Download PDF Version
If you would like the PDF versions of the timeline and the family tree for easy printing, download the PDF files below.
Terms of use – free for personal use, and free for classroom use
Royal Family Tree PDF
Queen Elizabeth II Timeline PDF
Resources and information supplied by PlanBee, featured with permission.
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We hope this Platinum Jubilee explanation and Queen Elizabeth II facts were useful.
Please share this blog post with friends and family, so that other parents and teachers can use these free resources with their kids to find out “What is the Platinum Jubilee all about?”
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
Thank you for providing this informative post about the Platinum Jubilee and Queen Elizabeth II. It’s fascinating to learn about her remarkable reign and the significance of this milestone. The inclusion of fun facts and activities for kids adds an engaging element to the blog. Well done!