Details on The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Celebration 2012 in London

Queen's Diamond JubileeIn the wake of the Royal Wedding (a smashing success!), royal watchers are anticipating the next big event in London. Next year will mark 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, and the celebrations around the Diamond Jubilee promise to be dazzling. The only other British monarch to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee was Queen Victoria in 1897, and this very special occasion will be marked by the largest pageant on the Thames in 350 years. Comprising a flotilla of 1,000 boats from across Britain and the Commonwealth that stretches more than seven miles, the river pageant will take place on June 3. The Queen will head the flotilla in a specially created royal barge.

Apparently the organizers for the river pageant have drawn inspiration from Tudor and Stuart spectacles (like Anne Boleyn’s coronation in 1533 and the 1662 celebration of Charles II’s Restoration). Taking place over an extended weekend from June 2- 5, 2012, the Diamond Jubilee festivities promise another bank holiday for revelers.

Image via BBC News