UK Parliament celebrates Platinum Jubilee with special events and resources for the public

As the nation comes together to celebrate this historic occasion, UK Parliament has developed a number of resources, talks and events for the public to enjoy – providing an opportunity to discover the artworks, collections, and items of legislation that have played an important part in Her Majesty’s 70-year reign. 

Spectacle & Ceremony: Coronation Banquets in Westminster Hall

• July to September

Visitors to Parliament’s historic Westminster Hall will be able to find out about the traditions, guests - and most importantly, the food - served at coronation banquets over the centuries. Delve into the Parliamentary Archives as this summer display looks at George IV’s decadent coronation banquet - the last and most expensive to be held in the Hall. Featuring a reconstruction of King George’s banquet table - complete with its famous giant pineapple.

The Queen and Parliament: Online Talk

• 7^th July

UK Parliament be hosting a digital talk focused on historical moments throughout The Queen’s reign, focusing on her relationship to and with UK Parliament. Join Parliamentary experts as we discuss Royal Assent and look at some of the most significant pieces of legislation passed since 1952.  Further information will be made available on the UK Parliament website in June.

Educational Resource: Parliament and the Monarchy

• Permanently from June

Parliament has created an interactive timeline to help young people learn about key moments in history between The Queen and UK Parliament. Covering the interactions between Parliament and the monarchy over the centuries, it will also highlight key pieces of legislation that have affected young people. The timeline will be available to view on Parliament’s Education pages, here.

UK Parliament Education Centre Visits

• Across June

The Queen’s connection with the UK Parliament will be highlighted on tours of the Palace of Westminster for schools visiting UK Parliament across June. Within the Education Centre, exhibition cases and digital displays will feature items and documents that explore The Queen’s links to Parliament.

The Queen and Parliament

Along with the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the Crown is an integral part of the institution of Parliament. The Queen plays a constitutional role in opening and dissolving Parliament and approving Bills before they become law.

When a Bill has been approved by a majority in the House of Commons and the House of Lords it is formally agreed to by the Crown. This is known as the Royal Assent. This turns a Bill into an Act of Parliament, allowing it to become law in the UK.

Princess Elizabeth became Queen on 6 February, 1952 on the death of her father, King George VI. She was crowned on 2 June, 1953 in Westminster Abbey. 

Members’ Platinum Jubilee Gift

Members from both Houses of Parliament will present a gift to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, on the occasion of Her Platinum Jubilee. The gift - a pair of unique bronze sculptures featuring the heraldic beasts of the United Kingdom – will also serve as illuminated beacons, symbolising the guiding light Her Majesty has been to the Nation, and to Parliament, throughout her reign.  

The Speaker and Lord Speaker asked the Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP, who organised The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Gift, to lead on the current Jubilee project, which as in 2012 has been entirely funded by personal donations from members of both Houses - with no expense to the taxpayer. Members of the public will be able to view the gift from the free-to-access areas of the Palace of Westminster.