When the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall appear on the Jubilee episode of BBC One’s EastEnders, they’ll do so with a special accolade: their episode will receive a special Platinum Jubilee version of the theme song.
“We felt it was only right that we marked this extremely momentous episode with a fitting tribute – and what better way than to wish Their Royal Highnesses on their way from Albert Square than with a special Jubilee version of our iconic theme tune, remastered by the very talented Simon May,” said EastEnders’s executive producer Chris Clenshaw in a statement.
Charles and Camilla will appear on the special Platinum Jubilee episode attending a street party in The Queen’s honour. The royal couple filmed their appearance earlier this spring, with actress Kellie Bright, who plays Linda Carter, telling reporters that the two were “amazing sports” who were “willing to do it.”
The BBC show teased that the residents of Albert Square would “get the surprise of their lives as Mick and Linda greet The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall and introduce them to the residents of Albert Square.”
The special Platinum Jubilee version of the EastEnders theme will combine its classic tune with that of the national anthem, ‘God Save The Queen’, in a version remastered by the theme song’s original composer, Simon May.
The Queen joins the ranks of Peggy Mitchell and Pat Butcher, two of the show’s most famous characters, in having her own special version of the programme’s theme song created in her honour. She’s also the first real person to be honoured this way. The most famous alternative of the tune remains ‘Julia’s Theme’, the piano version played at the end of major episodes or for the departure of lead characters.
The Queen previously visited Albert Square in 2001, touring the set and appearing at the Queen Vic alongside Dame Barbara Windsor, who played Peggy Mitchell.
The Platinum Jubilee episode of EastEnders goes out on June 2 2022, the first day of the celebratory weekend.
