On February 6, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II became the longest-reigning British monarch, serving 70 years since succeeding to the throne in 1952. Celebrations for her Platinum Jubilee taking place in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries this year will demonstrate British pomp and pageantry at their best.

With the celebratory air and special events planned, this is a great year to visit the UK. Artisans of Leisure arranges private England tours that feature the best of the country. Upon request, we can incorporate Platinum Jubilee events and festivities and private tours of sites related to the queen and the British monarchy.

The main Platinum Jubilee festivities are scheduled to take place in London over the long weekend of June 2-5, 2022. A highlight will be Trooping the Colour, a traditional military parade with hundreds of officers, musicians and horses. During the impressive ceremony, the queen inspects the troops at Horse Guards Parade (a historic parade ground), takes a salute and leads the troops down the parade route known as The Mall to Buckingham Palace.

Trooping the Colour concludes with the queen and senior members of the royal family appearing on the palace balcony to watch a flyover by the British Royal Air Force. Also called the Queen’s Birthday Parade, this popular event has taken place annually since 1820. (The monarch’s birthday is officially celebrated in June, regardless of his or her actual date of birth, which for Queen Elizabeth II is April 21.)

We can arrange attendance at other special events over the Platinum Jubilee weekend in June, such as the Derby at Epsom Downs, one of Britain’s premier sporting events, and the Platinum Party at the Palace, a live concert in front of Buckingham Palace featuring some of the biggest stars in the music industry.

Upon request, we can make reservations for Platinum Jubilee-themed afternoon tea, shopping for commemorative items, and tickets to special exhibitions showcasing the queen’s historic reign…

…and tours of royal residences like Buckingham Palace…

…and Windsor Castle.

We can also arrange private VIP tours at many other sites, including the Tower of London, an essential destination for travelers interested in the history of the British royal family.

As part of the Platinum Jubilee festivities, the medieval moat has been planted with millions of flower seeds. The resulting Superbloom event on display this summer is the first stage of a permanent transformation of the moat into a field of colorful flowers. Visitors will be able to walk through the flowers on winding paths enhanced by sound installations and sculptures.

Another must is a privately guided tour of Westminster Abbey, the landmark Gothic church that has served as the coronation site for English and British monarchs from William the Conqueror in 1066 to Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

On view is the Coronation Chair, the large oak chair made in 1300 that has been a central element of the coronation ceremony for more than 700 years.

We arrange for travelers to stay in one of our preferred luxury hotels in London, including one with a British Royal Warrant such as The Ritz London. The Royal Warrant is a prestigious award granted to a company by the queen, Prince Philip or Prince Charles, in recognition of superior quality and service provided to the royal family over the years.

Contact Artisans of Leisure to plan a private England tour that incorporates celebrations and touring related to Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and the history of the British monarchy.