The Platinum Jubilee Celebration of Queen Elizabeth II in Jamaica
Bill Ingalls/Goddard Space Flight Center/NASA
After the death of the British King George VI in 1952, a young Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne, with her coronation held on June 2, 1953. Ten years after her ascension, Jamaica a colony of the British Empire was granted political independence on August 6, 1962. Jamaica would now become a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, with the Governor General remaining the representative of The Queen, Jamaica’s Head of State.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II could not be physically present at the 1962 Independence Day celebrations, and was represented by her sister Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret and the Earl of Snowden. Princess Margaret was also present on August 7th at the official opening of the first Parliament of an Independent Jamaica.
Queen Elizabeth II has visited Jamaica six times; in 1953, 1966, 1975, 1983, 1994, and lastly for her Golden Jubilee along with her husband HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh in 2002.
On March 22, 2022, Jamaica witnessed the arrival of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Prince William and Kate Middleton, for a three day state visit on behalf of the Queen to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee.
Princess Margaret entering Gordon House 1962 for the official opening of Parliament
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, The Royal Couple’s arrival at The Norman Manley International Airport March 22, 2022. (Marlon Reid)
Artefacts Celebrating Queen Elizabeth II
from the National Museum Jamaica collection
Plates
The Earth-tone painted enamel plate with a circular body featuring the bust image of a male (HRH Prince Phillip) figure on a blue background. Male is attired in a black jacket adorned by multiple medals featured just below the shoulder was made by Portland Ware Made In England by The Metal Box Company Limited was used to commemorate the Coronation of Her Majesty on the 2nd June 1953.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip Postage Stamp
This reflects the first Day Issue stamp with the head of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, attached to white envelope. On the left side of the envelope is a portrait of the Queen along with one of Prince Philip, Duke of Edingburgh. which was issued for the commemoration of Her Majesty’s visit(Royal Tour). Date and location reflected is “Kingston 25 Nov. 9-AM 1953 Jamaica ” printed on it.
Queen Elizabeth Coronation Commemorative Mug
A white cup with a semi-oval handle that has three gilts around it. Gilt line on rim. One side of the cup is the head of a female (Queen Elizabeth II) surrounded by a crown, a unicorn and a lion. The unicorn has traditionally been used to represent Scotland and the lion, a symbol of the British Monarchy. On a green scroll are the words “June 2nd Elizabeth II 1953” and below is the word “Coronation”. On the other side is printed a crown and “E II R” (Elizabeth Regina II). On base “Royal Grafton Bone China. Made in England” printed in green.
Queen Victoria Wooden Bust Carving
This wooden bust is an artistic interpretation through a sculpture of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second has an inscription which gives a partial name T.T. Davis (artist) with the date 1959 which included the parish of origin St. Thomas. HM Queen Elizabeth II is Jamaica’s Head of State and is represented by the Governor General His Excellency The Most Honourable Sir Patrick Linton Allen ON GCMG CD KStJ.
Exercise Book
Green cover double line exercise book. That was made by the Education Department. Jamaica Commemorating the Queen’s Coronation 2 June 1953 which included a picture of a bust of a female (Queen Elizabeth II).