Plans for The Queen’s milestone Platinum Jubilee in 2022 are being kept a closely guarded secret, however, fans of river pageants may be disappointed as it seems unlikely there will be a repeat of the scenes we saw on the River Thames in 2012.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Thursday, Oliver Dowden, Her Majesty’s Secretary of State for Culture, appeared to rule out another pageant.
Mr Dowden said that he was keen to avoid giving away details of the plans which will see the world celebrate The Queen’s 70th year on the throne.
He did, however, say: “One thing I might resist committing to considering our experience of 2012 and the Diamond Jubilee is doing something on the River Thames again.”
The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant saw 670 boats parade down the River Thames to celebrate Her Majesty’s 60th year on the throne.
One million spectators watched from the banks of the Thames, with another ten million people tuning in to watch the pageant live on television.
Unfortunately, the weather was not on the side of the monarch, with rain battering down over London.
Forty-six people from the boats had to be treated for the effects of the cold weather, with six people transferred to hospital with symptoms of hypothermia.
The government confirmed on Thursday that citizens of the United Kingdom will be treated to a four-day holiday in 2022 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.
In what is being billed as a “blockbuster” celebration, a bumper-long bank holiday will take place in 18 months time to mark the occasion of The Queen’s 70th year on the throne.
This will be the first time that a British monarch has reached the milestone.
The Culture Secretary said: “Her Majesty’s platinum jubilee will be a truly historic moment – and one that deserves a celebration to remember.
“We can all look forward to a special, four-day Jubilee weekend, when we will put on a spectacular, once-in-a-generation show that mixes the best of British ceremonial splendour with cutting edge art and technology.
“It will bring the entire nation and the Commonwealth together in a fitting tribute to Her Majesty’s reign.”
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “The platinum jubilee offers an opportunity for the Queen to express her thanks for the support and loyalty Her Majesty has received throughout her reign. The Queen hopes that as many people as possible will have the opportunity to join the celebrations.”
