The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022

Overview

This year, 2022, marks the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Princess Elizabeth became Queen at age 25, upon the death of her father, George VI, on 6 February 1952. Born on 21 April 1926, this year also marks the Queen’s 96th birthday.

This incredible achievement is the ultimate example of the Queen’s steadfast dedication to service and duty. After reaching the milestone of 70 years on the throne, the Queen remains the longest-reigning living monarch and becomes the only monarch of Britain and the Commonwealth who has ruled for seven decades. There have been 14 British prime ministers in office during her reign and more than 170 Commonwealth leaders.

There will be many celebrations across the United Kingdom to mark the jubilee, including a four-day long weekend of events in June. In Australia, official events will be held in Canberra, including the lighting of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacon and a ceremony to mark the renaming of Aspen Island, in Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin, as Queen Elizabeth II Island and to dedicate the new Queen Elizabeth Water Gardens. On Sunday 6 February, iconic Australian buildings were illuminated in “royal purple”, including the Sydney Opera House and the Arts Centre, Melbourne.

The stamp designs for this issue emphasise the colour platinum and include a graphic rendition of St Edward’s Crown, which forms part of the Queen’s cypher. The inclusion of photographic portraits from 1952 and from the present day emphasises the longevity of Her Majesty’s reign.

Technical specifications