Jubilees and coronation

Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th anniversary on the Throne was a historic milestone — she was Canada’s longest reigning Sovereign and the first to celebrate a platinum jubilee. Canada celebrated with a series of events and initiatives held across the country to honour The Queen’s reign and celebrate Canadian achievements over 7 decades. Among these events was a 3-day Royal Tour of Canada by the then Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.

In 2017, on the 65th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, Canada was celebrating the 150th anniversary of Confederation. Governor General David Johnston presented a Sapphire Jubilee Snowflake Brooch to The Queen at Canada House in London, United Kingdom, as a gift of thanks from the people of Canada. The brooch was made from diamonds found on Baffin Island by brothers Seemeega and Nowdluk Aqpik.

At the same event, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh opened a Jubilee Walkway panel at Canada House and met with Canadians. During the Jubilee year, a grove of 65 maple trees was planted in Rockcliffe Park in Ottawa and activities were hosted by lieutenant governors across the provinces.

Canadians celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee with flags, festivals and fun. Children learned about The Queen’s role in Canadian society, museums held exhibitions about her history of service and dedication to Canada, and various commemorative items were issued. The then Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall marked the anniversary with a Royal Tour in May.

A portrait of Queen Elizabeth II was also painted by Phil Richards and unveiled in London, United Kingdom, on June 6, 2012, in the presence of The Queen, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston and the Right Honourable Stephen Harper.

The 50th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne was celebrated in Canada with a 12-day Royal Tour by The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh in October. A notable aspect of the Tour was the first visit of The Queen to Nunavut since its creation as a territory in 1999. A new official portrait was unveiled, as well as commemorative items, educational exhibits and displays.

To commemorate the Ruby Jubilee and the 125th anniversary of Confederation in 1992, an equestrian statue was unveiled on June 30, 1992, during The Queen’s 1992 Royal Tour of Canada. The statue was unveiled on the grounds of Parliament Hill, situated across a statue of Queen Victoria. The Queen undertook the Royal Tour to preside over several commemorations relating to the 125th anniversary of the Confederation of Canada and her Ruby Jubilee.

Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh visited Canada on a Royal Tour to mark The Queen’s 25th anniversary as Monarch. In addition to commemorative and educational materials and events, this anniversary was notable for the attendance of The Queen in the Senate, to deliver the Speech from the Throne and open the new session of Parliament. Such an event had only occurred once before in Canadian history.

Canadians celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation with military tattoos, horse races, parades and fireworks. Canada’s first Canadian-born Governor General, Vincent Massey, declared the day a one-time holiday and participated in a celebration on Parliament Hill. Mr. Massey introduced The Queen's Coronation speech, which was broadcast from London around the world. To commemorate the Coronation, Mr. Massey issued silver spoons to all Canadian children born on June 2, 1953.