The Queen has marked 70 years on the throne and 70 years as Head of the Commonwealth. Leaders and Governor Generals of the Commonwealth nations have been sharing their well-wishes on the Platinum Jubilee.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has released a sombre statement in honour of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee:
”Today marks 70 years since The Queen’s accession. Understandably, The Queen traditionally does not mark this day with any joy, as the day marks the anniversary of the passing of her father. So later in the year, there will be appropriate celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee. Still, today marks an extraordinary milestone.
For over half of our history as a Federation, The Queen has been our monarch. Most Australians have known no other sovereign. She has been a constant presence in a changing world. The Queen’s reign has spanned 15 Australian prime ministers with Sir Robert Menzies being the first.
Australians have a deep respect and affection for The Queen. The Queen has carried out her duties with diligence and dignity, always upholding her deep faith as well as her respect for the constitutional tradition she was born into. On this anniversary, I extend the gratitude of the Australian people.
Tonight, iconic buildings and monuments in many parts of Australia will be lit up in royal purple for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. This anniversary is a truly remarkable milestone in a remarkable life.”
Australian Governor-General David Hurley has also released a message, as well as images of buildings lit in purple to mark the Platinum Jubilee:
“Her Majesty has a deep, genuine and warm connection to Australia and Australians. She is a symbol of our history, represents our modern links to the Commonwealth and is an exemplar of service and dedication – characteristics that are important to our national identity,” the Governor-General said.
“I’ve written to Her Majesty conveying my congratulations and Australia’s ongoing affection and loyalty. “Linda and I look forward to joining Australians in recognising and celebrating Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee. It is remarkable to think that 70 years ago, aged just 25, Her Majesty ascended to the Throne and began her remarkable reign. It is a time to celebrate her service, commitment and passion for the people of Australia and the Commonwealth.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden shared a message focusing on The Queen’s service and urged New Zealanders to mark the Jubilee:
“Today the Queen has reigned for 70 years. She became Queen on 6 February 1952, and today marks the beginning of a year of celebrations of her Platinum Jubilee, as well as the day we remember and celebrate our nation’s founding document,” Jacinda Ardern said.
“Since the Queen took the throne as a young woman of 25, she has dedicated her life to service. We thank her for her dedication and inspiration. “As Queen of New Zealand, she has always shown a deep personal interest in the life and wellbeing of our nation. On behalf of all New Zealanders I would like to wish her well for this historic year.
“We will celebrate the Platinum Jubilee in a number of ways through the year. The Queen has encouraged anyone who wants to mark the Jubilee to do so by planting trees. I am delighted to announce that the government will make a donation of $1 million to Trees That Count to assist with tree planting programmes across the country to mark the Jubilee.
“I hope many New Zealanders will get behind this work and join in planting trees and other greening projects throughout the year. “People are welcome to celebrate personally as well, and an emblem has been designed by the New Zealand Herald of Arms that can be used in association with any Platinum Jubilee celebrations,”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has released a statement congratulating The Queen and introducing initial plans for public celebrations:
“Seventy years ago today, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the Throne and became Queen of Canada. On this anniversary, I join millions of people in Canada and across the Commonwealth in congratulating Her Majesty on her Platinum Jubilee.
“This is the first time since Confederation that Canadians can celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of their Sovereign. This historic milestone invites us to pay tribute to Her Majesty’s lifetime of committed service to Canada, the Commonwealth, and its citizens.
“Over the course of her reign, Her Majesty has been a constant presence in the life of Canadians, offering steadfast leadership in times of change, hardship, or uncertainty. She has shared in some of the proudest and most memorable moments in our recent history – from the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Confederation in 1967, to the Montréal Olympics of 1976, to the proclamation of the Constitution Act in 1982. Her Majesty is the patron of more than 600 charities and organizations, including 36 in Canada. To this day, she continues to show our country her devotion and generosity, and to champion our most cherished values of unity, peace, and freedom.
“To mark this very special occasion and celebrate Canadian achievements over the last 70 years, the Government of Canada will host a range of activities throughout the year and support community projects and initiatives across the country. I invite all Canadians to take part in these celebrations – while continuing to follow public health guidelines – and to reflect on our unique bond with the monarchy and the many special moments we have shared with Her Majesty.
“On behalf of all Canadians, Sophie and I offer our warmest wishes to Her Majesty on the occasion of her 70 years of reign and we thank her for her tireless service and dedication as Sovereign.”
Canadian Governor General Mary Simon has shared a video of congratulations from Canada in English, French, and Inuktitut as well as a special message.
”Growing up in Northern Quebec, my grandmother would show us pictures of The Queen. Her Majesty was revered in the Arctic, since the relationship between the Crown and Indigenous peoples is considered sacred. For the past 70 years, Her Majesty has been a reassuring and constant figure of compassion and poise. She has seen the evolution of our country first-hand during her many visits to Canada, which she calls her “second home.” Much has changed in the last seven decades. We extended the hand of friendship to nations around the world. We made advancements in medical research, most recently with vaccines. We established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and took part in its work. We saw the first Canadian named governor general, then the first woman and now, the first Indigenous person.
We should be proud of what we have accomplished together. In communities from coast to coast to coast, people are marking the jubilee by paying tribute to the only monarch many of us have ever known. All across the country, you will see the unique emblem created by the Canadian Heraldic Authority for this important occasion. Just one of the many commemorations during this important year. I would like to congratulate Her Majesty on the Platinum Jubilee.
The Queen marked the 70th anniversary of her reign on February 6th 2022.
