The British Army is proudly supporting Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Armed Forces, as she celebrates her Platinum Jubilee Year at events taking place across the UK and the Commonwealth, with the highlight being The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Central Weekend in June.
In admiration of Her Majesty The Queen's service to the nation, the Army will reflect on its development in the 70 years of her historic reign. The Army of today is a far cry from the one Her Majesty took leadership of 70 years ago. Today’s Army is modernising to address next-generation threats across the globe with a focus on innovation and experimentation.
Our personnel take an oath to The Queen when they become soldiers, and collectively they form an Army that continues to represent society and provide physical and moral benefit to the British public, as well as being ready to deploy wherever they are required across the globe.
The traditional ceremonial aspects have remained a constant throughout the years. Soldiers, sailors and airmen will be central to this year’s Platinum Jubilee commemorations, which officially begins on 6 February, Accession Day, the 70th anniversary of the day King George VI died, and Princess Elizabeth ascended to the throne.
The Platinum Jubilee Year is an opportunity to showcase the close relationship the Army and its personnel have with the Royal Family, with top Royals taking part in national events wearing their military uniforms.
Some of the Queen’s special projects have already begun, including the Queen’s Green Canopy, which invites people from across the UK to ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’. The project will dedicate a network of 70 Ancient Woodlands across the United Kingdom and identify 70 Ancient Trees to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service.
Junior Soldiers from Army Foundation College in Harrogate helped launch the project in May, with six magnolia trees being planted in memory of Captain Sir Tom Moore. The Army, and industry partners, will be planting 540 saplings and trees across the garrisons of Aldershot, Bulford, Tidworth and Warminster.
Whilst not all events are directly related to the Platinum Jubilee, many of them will have a significant jubilee theme running throughout, including the Royal Windsor Horse Show from 11 to 15 May 22.
Big Bank Holiday Weekend in June
Kicking off the four-day UK Bank Holiday weekend The Queen’s Birthday Parade, also known as Trooping The Colour, will take place on Thursday 2 June. It has moved from the traditional second Saturday in June to be held on the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation at Westminster Abbey in 1952.
Also, on 2 June, buglers and pipers will be supporting the lighting of Platinum Jubilee Beacons, being lit throughout the UK, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories.
On Friday 3 June, there will be a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral.
A magnificent event in the Jubilee weekend festivities is The Platinum Jubilee Pageant, being held on Sunday 5 June, including a military ceremonial parade down the Mall to Buckingham Palace.
Beating Retreat
Later in June Armed Forces Week will be held from 20 to 25 June, culminating in Armed Forces Day on the Saturday with the national event scheduled to take place in Scarborough.
There will be a Beating Retreat at Helles Barracks, Catterick, on 21 July, rounding off a two-week Corp of Drums concentration. Regular, Reservist and Cadet musicians will be taking part.
In August, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will be staged from 5 to 27 August.
More events are being planned throughout this special year.
Find out more
National and regional Platinum Jubilee events