The London 2012 Useful Information Guide to…

In 2012, Queen Elizabeth II, who will then be 86, will celebrate 60 years on the throne and to mark this rare occasion, London is to host what has been described as “the party of the century”.

Only one monarch in history has celebrated a Diamond Jubilee – Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901.

Plans are already being made to give Britain – and millions of visitors – a summer festival of celebration to last three months, which promises to be a momentous occasion if past experience is anything to go by.

In 2002, with the Queen celebrating 50 years on the throne, huge crowds (we’re talking millions here) lined the streets of London to greet her while street parties were held across the country. People of every generation, from every background and from all the corners of the UK took part in a thoroughly British occasion.

Going even further back – to 1977, when the Queen celebrated her Silver Jubilee – street parties were held throughout the nation, commemorative stamps were issued and the London Underground's Jubilee Line was named in her honour.

So 2012 really is going to see one hell of a party!

Buckingham Palace, the Department of Culture and the Mayor of London’s office have agreed that the celebrations will start at the end of May, just as the Olympic torch makes its way through Britain before the opening of the Games on July 27.

There will be concerts in royal parks (such as Hyde Park, St James’s Park and Regents Park) and events on the Thames, possibly including a tightrope walk across the river.

Many believe this event will actually out-shine the Olympics themselves, as the celebrations involved will be free and open to everyone, wherever you’re from.

It will be “an unforgettable tribute to the monarch,” says Robert Hardman, author of Monarchy: The Royal Family at Work.

The high point — as in 2002 and 1977 — will be a weekend of spectacular pageantry, fireworks, parades and millions of people showing their appreciation

The Queen is likely to tour Britain in celebration of her reign – quite a feat, given her age – while a service of thanksgiving and a Commonwealth event are also on the cards (to commemorate her Golden Jubilee in 2002, The Queen undertook a tour of 70 towns and cities across Britain as well as a 40,000-mile Commonwealth tour).

Then, just weeks later, Her Majesty will attend the opening of the Olympics.

Maybe you should buy your flags now because there won’t be any left by summer 2012!

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Did you know…

London is full of historic royal palaces and landmarks?  It’s home to six world heritage sites, over 860 conservation areas and some 37,000 listed buildings.

Read more about these historic and iconic London locations

What’s happened during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign?

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