During her 70 years on the throne, Queen Elizabeth II has made six visits to Jamaica. After its independence from Britain in 1962, Jamaica has remained a member of the Commonwealth. The Queen is Queen of Jamaica and she is represented in the country by a Governor-General, currently Sir Patrick Allen.
1953
Six months after her Coronation, The Queen and Prince Philip set out on the longest royal tour ever. Her second stop was Jamaica, where a quarter of a million people, or one-sixth the population, turned out to welcome the new sovereign to their country. Part of the visit included greeting crowds in an open-top Land Rover. And a fun fact, Prince William and Catherine will go for a drive in the same vehicle on their 2022 Jamaican tour.
1966
This year included the most in depth tour of the Caribbean for the Queen. It included 15 destinations, including Jamaica. This Jamaican visit is also significant because it was the first visit after Jamaica became independent from Britain. Prince Philip accompanied the Queen. One of their duties during the visit was attending the Jamaican State Opening of Parliament.
1975
The Queen and Prince Philip’s five-day visit to Jamaica coincided with the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. Much of their visit included meeting with the various heads of state. The Queen also hosted a Commonwealth dinner aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia before departing.
1983
The Queen congratulated Jamaica on 21 years of independence during her and Prince Philip’s fourth tour of the Commonwealth nation. Jamaica put on a cultural display for the Queen at the National Stadium entitled the “Jamaica 21 Salute.” The royal couple honored fallen soldiers at a wreath laying ceremony at National Heroes Park and met with ex-servicemen. The Queen also opened the International Seabed Authority and toured Devon House before wrapping up the visit.
1994
The Queen and Prince Philip experienced a Trooping the Colour outside of Britain on this visit to Jamaica. They also went to Montego Bay for a civic reception during their tour.
2002
For her Golden Jubilee, the Queen and Prince Philip went to Jamaica. Marking her 50 years on the throne and 40 years of Jamaican independence, Queen Elizabeth had this to say when speaking to legislators: “such anniversaries were important” and “moments to reflect on what has gone before and to rededicate ourselves with determination and confidence to all that lies ahead.” She also addressed the topic of violence and protecting human rights: “The terrible events of September 11 last year reminded us with tragic forcefulness that we do not exist simply as individual countries or even as large international political alliances. We are more than ever part of a global network.”
This statement was also interpreted as her encouraging Jamaica to remain part of the Commonwealth with the Queen as Head of State.
The Queen had a unique dining experience while in Jamaica. She and her guests dined in darkness due to two power cuts, each lasting more than an hour. Cars were put into use and everyone enjoyed their dinner by headlight.
