The Royal Family have shared a montage of historic images of the Queen in a special post across their official social media channels.
Many of the photographs are black and white and span the past 70 years of Her Majesty’s reign, focusing on her work around the Commonwealth.
Black and white photos show a young Queen Elizabeth II at the beginning of her reign, wearing a crown for a photograph alongside former Prime Minister Winston Churchill and other leading figures from the Commonwealth.
According to captions in the montage, the Commonwealth has grown from eight to 54 members over the Queen’s reign and now represents a third of the world’s population.
A caption alongside the Royal Family’s explained, “In February 1952, when The Queen acceded to the throne, she also became Head of the Commonwealth,” which is described as “a family of nations, spanning every geographical region, religion and culture.”
Today is Commonwealth Day (14 March) so, to mark the occasion, members of the Royal Family are attending an annual service at Westminster Abbey which was broadcast live on BBC One at 2pm today.
More on the Platinum Jubilee:
- How to hold a Platinum Jubilee street party: Permission, food, drink and decorations
- Commemorative 50p to enter circulation in February 2022
- 1,500 beacons will be lit by farmers and landowners to celebrate Jubilee
This year, the Queen will not be attending herself and Prince Charles will appear in her place. Her Majesty has only recently resumed full duties since recovering from Covid 19, however Buckingham palace have not specified the reason behind the Queen’s absence.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also marked the occasion with a special post on social media, wishing the 2.5 billion citizens across 54 countries a "very happy #CommonwealthDay" with a post containing a flag for each nation.
Platinum Jubilee souvenirs and gifts to celebrate the Queen
Emma Bridgewater Queen's Platinum Jubilee God Save The Queen Mug
This historic jubilee makes a great excuse to add another Emma Bridgewater mug to your collection! This one features our national anthem in EB's signature script on a proud red background.
Emma Bridgewater Queen's Platinum Jubilee Mug
Here's a more subtle design from Emma Bridgewater.
Emma Bridgewater Queen's Platinum Jubilee 70 Glorious Years Mug
Lastly, the potter has this vibrant green option. Which will you choose?
Harrods Queen's Platinum Jubilee Mug
Harrods has released its own commemorative mug, too. This fine bone china option features the dates of the Queen's reign in shining gold and finished with the royal crests.
Sandie Burton Designs Queen's Platinum Jubilee Cushion Cover
Particularly dedicated royalists will be pleased with this lovely handmade cushion cover; it's thoroughly celebratory without being garish. It'd fit right in with a country cottage scheme while adding a cheerful flash of colour.
Platinum Jubilee Tea Towel
This design is also available as a tea towel, if you prefer – in a good range of colours.
Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Plate
This makes a fun memento – use it to display your scones or sandwiches for your Jubilee garden party over the bank holiday weekend, then display it on the wall or your cabinet after the festivities are done.
Platinum Jubilee Bunting
Hang this suitably British bunting around your garden fence, conservatory or the front of your property to show your appreciation for our longest-reigning monarch. It comes in either two or five metre lengths, or you can ask for your specific requirements.
Historic Royal Palaces 2022 Platinum Jubilee Imperial State Crown Decoration
Made from gold-plated pewter and studded with glittering crystals, this ornate decoration is exclusive to the Historic Royal Palaces shop. Keep it proudly on display in a cabinet, or you could even use the hanging loop to turn it into a Christmas tree ornament, if you like.
Rice Paper Cake Toppers
No garden party is complete without cake. These rice paper toppers will ensure your offerings are less Victoria sponge and more Elizabeth II – much more appropriate, in this instance!
Cheviot Ceramics Queen's Platinum Jubilee Mug
A subtle design finished with traditional royal purple crowns; these are lovingly hand-painted to order, so you know you're getting something thoughtful to commemorate this special occasion.
Royal Collection Shop Longest Reigning Monarch Commemorative Oval Charger
Okay, this charger plate is expensive, but it is handmade from fine bone china and finished with burnished 22-carat gold detailing, so it is a really exquisite piece. Plus, we're sure you agree that a Platinum jubilee party deserves something extra special to celebrate properly. Put this plate pride of place on your table to show off your afternoon tea spread for your do.
Emma Bridgewater Crown Jewels Tea Towel
With its ornate crown, orb and sceptre design, this lovely Emma Bridgewater design will pay homage to our queen while brightening up your kitchen (and helping with the washing up!).
Traditional tones in white, blue and red here for this tea towel – and there's some matching bunting available, too.
More tea towels here – choose your favourite design, or collect all three!
Harrods HM Queen Elizabeth II Teapot
To match the charger plate above, this charming teapot will finish off your royal scheme perfectly. We just love the little crown on the lid.
Bethan is Features Editor at Good Housekeeping, working across the magazine and website. You’ll spot her writing longer reads and interviews as well as lifestyle news, and perhaps chatting with a celeb or two. Otherwise, she’s usually off on a run or road-tripping around unusual places.
