Queen Elizabeth II - Diamond Jubilee Speech - 2012

On June 5, 2012, Queen Elizabeth II addressed the nation and the Commonwealth in her Diamond Jubilee speech, marking 60 years on the British throne. The Diamond Jubilee was a momentous occasion, celebrating her long and dedicated reign as the United Kingdom's longest-serving monarch.

In her speech, the Queen expressed her profound gratitude to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth for their support and loyalty throughout her reign. She acknowledged the significant changes that had occurred both within the country and internationally during her six-decade tenure and the shared experiences of her subjects.

The Queen also paid tribute to the British Armed Forces and their families for their service and sacrifices, as well as the countless volunteers and community workers who contribute to the well-being of their fellow citizens. She emphasized the importance of unity, understanding, and service to others as key values for the country and the Commonwealth.

Queen Elizabeth II highlighted the role of her family in supporting her during her reign, particularly her husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. She thanked him for his unwavering loyalty and commitment throughout their marriage.

In her closing remarks, the Queen reaffirmed her dedication to her duties and her ongoing commitment to serve the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. She expressed her hope for a bright future, built upon the foundations of her reign, and her belief in the enduring spirit of the British people.

Overall, Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee speech was a heartfelt expression of gratitude, reflection, and hope. It was a fitting tribute to her long and remarkable reign, as well as an inspiring message of unity and service for the people of the United Kingdom and the wider Commonwealth. - with GPT4



Queen Elizabeth II  in front of Buckingham Palace, expressing gratitude, unity, and hope, with the Union Jack and a crowd of well-wishers in the background


- Full Text -


"My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, I am most grateful for your Loyal Addresses and the generous words of the Lord Speaker and Mr Speaker.

This great institution has been at the heart of the country and the lives of our people throughout its history. As Parliamentarians, you share with your forebears a fundamental role in the laws and decisions of your own age.

Parliament has survived as an unshakeable cornerstone of our constitution and our way of life. History links monarchs and Parliament, a connecting thread from one period to the next. So, in an era when the regular, worthy rhythm of life is less eye-catching than doing something extraordinary, I am reassured that I am merely the second Sovereign to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee.

As today, it was my privilege to address you during my Silver and Golden Jubilees. Many of you were present ten years ago and some of you will recall the occasion in 1977. Since my Accession, I have been a regular visitor to the Palace of Westminster and, at the last count, have had the pleasurable duty of treating with twelve Prime Ministers.

Over such a period, one can observe that the experience of venerable old age can be a mighty guide but not a prerequisite for success in public office. I am therefore very pleased to be addressing many younger Parliamentarians and also those bringing such a wide range of background and experience to your vital, national work.

During these years as your Queen, the support of my family has, across the generations, been beyond measure. Prince Philip is, I believe, well-known for declining compliments of any kind. But throughout he has been a constant strength and guide. He and I are very proud and grateful that The Prince of Wales and other members of our family are travelling on my behalf in this Diamond Jubilee year to visit all the Commonwealth Realms and a number of other Commonwealth countries.

These overseas tours are a reminder of our close affinity with the Commonwealth, encompassing about one-third of the world's population. My own association with the Commonwealth has taught me that the most important contact between nations is usually contact between its peoples. An organisation dedicated to certain values, the Commonwealth has flourished and grown by successfully promoting and protecting that contact.

At home, Prince Philip and I will be visiting towns and cities up and down the land. It is my sincere hope that the Diamond Jubilee will be an opportunity for people to come together in a spirit of neighbourliness and celebration of their own communities.

We also hope to celebrate the professional and voluntary service given by millions of people across the country who are working for the public good. They are a source of vital support to the welfare and wellbeing of others, often unseen or overlooked.

And as we reflect upon public service, let us again be mindful of the remarkable sacrifice and courage of our Armed Forces. Much may indeed have changed these past sixty years but the valour of those who risk their lives for the defence and freedom of us all remains undimmed.

The happy relationship I have enjoyed with Parliament has extended well beyond the more than three and a half thousand Bills I have signed into law. I am therefore very touched by the magnificent gift before me, generously subscribed by many of you. Should this beautiful window cause just a little extra colour to shine down upon this ancient place, I should gladly settle for that.

We are reminded here of our past, of the continuity of our national story and the virtues of resilience, ingenuity and tolerance which created it. I have been privileged to witness some of that history and, with the support of my family, rededicate myself to the service of our great country and its people now and in the years to come.


https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-17446804


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