Tag: Platinum Jubilee

Banda Monumental de Mexico set to spread their wings in honour of the Queen’s Jubilee at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Mexican military band, Banda Monumental de Mexico, will be taking over the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade when they return with another show-stopping performance ‘Mexico Celebrates Life’ to this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in August.

To mark Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, part of the performance will be dedicated to Her Majesty and Duke of Edinburgh with a special Monarch butterfly wing costume created in her honour. 

Julieta Huerta Aviles, one of the youngest dancers in Banda Monumental de Mexico, was the driving force behind the idea to include the beautiful butterfly wing costumes in this year’s showcase.

Her inspiration is a famous photograph taken of the late Duke of Edinburgh watching the Monarch Butterfly’s migration on a trip to Mexico in 1988 – part of a trip he attended to support a Mexican conservation group whose aim was to protect the Monarch Butterfly from serious threats to the species’ survival. 

Julieta Huerta Aviles, performer with Banda Monumental de Mexico said: “The opportunity to share our country’s music and culture with so many people at this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a real privilege. 

“The photograph of Prince Philip with the Monarch butterflies is incredibly beautiful and with it being The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this year, it felt only right that part of our performance and costume honoured both of them in a special way. I am so excited to perform at the Tattoo and I can’t wait to see the costumes take centre stage.” 

In 2010, the Tattoo was presented with the official Royal Commemoration by Her Majesty to mark the organisations 60th anniversary and has since been known as The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. As part of the Jubilee celebrations, over 50 Tattoo Dancers performed at ‘A Gallop Through History’ which took place at Windsor Castle.  

Michael Braithwaite, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Creative Director, said: “It’s such a thrill to have the dynamic and exciting Banda Monumental de Mexico return to the Tattoo this year. Our audience can expect an even bigger spectacle than before, and we can’t wait.  

“With the country celebrating The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this year it’s wonderful to see the performers from Banda Monumental de Mexico pay tribute to both Her Majesty The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh in such a poignant way, connecting back to their Mexican roots and culture. We’re excited to see the costumes dazzle in all their glory on the Esplanade.”  

All performers from Banda Monumental de Mexico reside from Tehuacán, a town in the state of Puebla which is famously known as the birthplace of many of the greatest musicians in Mexico.

The military band is made up of 120 members between the ages of 12 and 53. The band was formed exclusively for the 2018 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo by the Organizacion Cultural de Intercambios Internacionales México and saw more than 100 performers brought together proudly to share traditional Mariachi music. 

This year’s Tattoo theme is ‘Voices’ and the Show will represent the collective power and connection of voice through a spectacular combination of music, dance and military precision from some of the world’s leading armed forces and cultural performers as it returns with a bang this August 5 – 27.  

The Show will run from 5 – 27 August 2022. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188. 

MBE for Spartans’ Douglas Samuel

Queen’s Birthday Honours list announced

The Spartans Chief Executive Douglas Samuel is among Scots to receive an Honour to mark the Queen’s Brthday in Platinum Jubilee year. Dougie is awarded an MBE.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has paid tribute to the recipients in Scotland in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in the year of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.

Among those receiving Knighthoods are Professor Sheikh Aziz, for services to COVID-19 research and policy; James Nicol Walker, for services to the food industry and author Ian Rankin, for services to literature and to charity. Professor Sally Mapstone will receive a Damehood for services to higher education.

Jacqui Reilly, Professor of Infection Prevention and Control is among those being awarded a CBE, for services to Healthcare and Public Health.

British Olympic Curling captain Eve Muirhead is amongst those receiving an OBE, while her team members have been honoured with MBEs.

Those receiving MBEs include Julie Young for services to dance, Walter Smith for services to youth enterprise and Chloe Lawson for services to vulnerable and disadvantaged young people

Rhona Gibson and William Dove are among those honoured with a BEM.

Irene Ralston, Superintendent, and Stephen Tanner, Police Constable, will receive The Queen’s Police Medal. The Queen’s Fire Service Medal will be awarded to Roy Dunsire, Group Commander, John Fraser, Firefighter and Stevie Maybanks, Crew Commander of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Donna Baillie, Resilience Manager of the Scottish Ambulance Service, will receive The Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal.

The First Minister said: “The Queen’s Birthday Honours list illustrates the outstanding contributions of the people of Scotland who have made a difference to their communities, throughout the country and beyond. It is particularly pleasing to see their work recognised in this year of celebration in honour of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.

“From those who contribute to the creative industries, communities and charities, to those who have excelled in the field of science and medicine, the Honours highlight their exceptional service to the people of Scotland. I am delighted to see Scotland’s athletes who were outstanding during both summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo as well as the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing, so well represented.

“I am also pleased to see that those individuals who worked against the coronavirus pandemic, its far reaching impact and those working for our recovery, have been recognised. I know we are all incredibly grateful for their selfless actions and it’s right that their outstanding efforts have been acknowledged in this way.

“I also want to extend my congratulations to those personnel who have been awarded The Queen’s Fire, Police or Ambulance Service Medals. Our emergency services have displayed incredible fortitude throughout the pandemic, and deserve our continued appreciation for keeping people and communities across Scotland safe, every day of the year.”

Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack said: “In the year of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, my whole-hearted congratulations go to all those across Scotland who have been recognised for their extraordinary public service. They truly exemplify the dedication, ambition and generosity of spirit that has defined the Queen’s 70-year reign.

“We were all gripped by the Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Beijing, as our curlers swept to gold and we topped the podium in Alpine skiing. Eve Muirhead is awarded an OBE, while the rest of the team get MBEs, along with Alpine skier Neil Simpson and his brother and guide Andrew.

“One of Scottish literature’s most recognisable names, Ian Rankin’s knighthood is richly deserved; his Inspector Rebus novels have kept us in entertained and in suspense for decades.

“It’s great to see recognition of Scotland’s fantastic food and drink. James Walker of Walker’s Shortbread is being knighted, and OBEs are given to Ian and Michael Urquhart from the family-run Gordon and MacPhail whisky company.

Honours also go to those whose dedication and resilience helped make Glasgow’s hosting of COP26 safe and successful, including a well-deserved knighthood for Police Scotland’s Chief Constable Iain Livingstone.”

Platinum Jubilee book to arrive in English primary schools from mid-May – but it’s September for Scotland

Primary school children across the UK will begin to receive ‘Queen Elizabeth: A Platinum Jubilee Celebration’

Children in state-funded primary schools across the United Kingdom will, from mid-May, begin to receive a free commemorative book to mark Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee.

Designed as an official once-in-a-lifetime commemoration of the Platinum Jubilee and written in collaboration with royal experts and historians, the book will tell the story of a young girl, Isabella, visiting her Great Granny Joyce who tells her about the Queen and this year’s Jubilee.

In the story, Isabella sifts through Great Granny Joyce’s treasure box of souvenirs, which act as introductions to the contents of the book. These include recent and historical events across the United Kingdom and Commonwealth, inspirational people, landmark innovations and inventions, and a selection of the best art, design, and culture.

The book will also include famous quotes from the Queen, facts on the coronation ceremony, content on the lives of famous Commonwealth figures such as Nelson Mandela, notable kings and queens and a timeline of Queen Elizabeth’s life.

Children will be invited to personalise their individual copies of the illustrated reference book, by signing a ‘this book belongs to’ section at the beginning of the book. The page reads: ‘During [the Queen’s] reign, the world has changed in so many ways… [This book] will help you understand the amazing life and times of our Queen and the magic of the unique, unshakable bond she shares with the people she serves.’

The book will also help children understand how the four nations came together as one United Kingdom, including details such as Owain Glyndwr’s rebellion against the English in 1400 to take the title of ‘Prince of Wales’, on the journey to the Queen’s reign which continues to this day.

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said: “Queen Elizabeth II is the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee and Her Majesty’s dignity, commitment and grace continues to inspire people all over the world.

“Millions of children will soon receive their own commemorative Jubilee book, celebrating and showcasing the Queen’s incredible living legacy. I hope all our pupils are as excited as I am to read about Her Majesty’s amazing life and the people and events that have shaped history during the last 70 years.”

On the request of the Scottish and Welsh Governments, schools in Scotland and Wales will be asked to opt-in to receive copies of the book, which will then be delivered in late September.

‘Brilliant bookmarks’ from the Reading Agency are to be distributed with every book, to support and encourage reading for pleasure amongst children at school and over the summer. The book is also featured within the National Literacy Trust’s Platinum Jubilee Royal Reading Challenge.

The book goes on private sale from 23 June.

Schools can expect to hear from the Department for Education (in England) or DK Books (in Northern Ireland) in the coming days about delivery details, and those in Scotland and Wales should already have had information on how to place their book orders.

The book was commissioned by the UK Government and is being published by DK Books. It has been designed for a reading age of nine to 10 years, but will be accessible to all primary school age children, for example if parents, carers or teachers read with them.

It forms part of the wider programme of events and activities planned for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, including a concert, street parties, and an extra bank holiday for the Jubilee weekend itself from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June 2022.

World’s first gold platinum sovereigns sell out as royal fans rush to own piece of Jubilee history

The world’s first gold sovereign coins to be minted using a gold and platinum alloy – created to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – have sold out in record time.

Created by leading coin experts Hattons of London to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s incredible 70 year reign, the coins feature celebratory portraits of the Queen at landmark moments throughout her seven-decade reign.

And after selling out despite being launched less than three weeks ago, the collection has gone down as the fastest-ever selling product in Hattons of London’s history.

Minted with an exclusive blend of 22 carat gold enriched with 2 carats of platinum, the sovereigns were a world first.

Hattons of London MD, Simon Mellinger, said: “The Platinum Jubilee is a momentous occasion and by using an exclusive blend of 22 carat gold enriched with 2 carats of platinum, we have created a fitting tribute to the Queen’s 70 years of service to our country, that like Her Majesty, will stand the test of time.

“The demand for the product we’ve had has been phenomenal, and has far outstripped supply.

“We expected a lot of interest in the coins, but the speed at which the collection has sold out has been unbelievable. It seems that collectors have recognised the significance of this year’s Platinum Jubilee and have been keen to add a special piece of memorabilia to their collections.

“What’s been particularly interesting is that demand hasn’t just been from coin collectors – there’s been a much wider appeal from the general public, who also want them as a commemoration of this important, and maybe never-to-be repeated, Royal anniversary.”

The coins feature portraits of Her Majesty which had never before featured on sovereign coins, including images of the Queen’s 1952 Coronation, her Silver and Diamond Jubilees, as well as a portrait of Her Majesty around the time of her becoming our longest reigning monarch in 2015.

The design on the smallest denomination in the range, the one-eighth sovereign, features the royal cypher of Elizabeth II with a celebratory garland of roses, thistles, leeks and shamrocks to represent the nations of the United Kingdom. This garlanded-cypher also features on each of the other coins in the series.

Mr Mellinger said there were plans for an additional Platinum Jubilee collection later this year. 

“We normally only bring out one limited collection to celebrate a milestone event or anniversary, but given the interest and the significance of the occasion, we’re currently considering adding to our Platinum Jubilee range with a new collection this year,” he added.

Hattons of London is a leading expert in rare and exclusive coins with a vast collection which includes the Queen Victoria 200th anniversary range, featuring the first 24 carat gold twenty pound sovereign.

Collectors urged not to miss golden opportunity to own piece of Platinum Jubilee history

gold platinum coins nearly sell out in first week

The world’s first gold sovereign coins to be minted using a gold and platinum alloy have been created to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, marking her incredible 70 year reign with portraits of her from across seven decades.

In 2022, Queen Elizabeth II becomes the first British monarch ever to reach a Platinum Jubilee. To celebrate this unprecedented achievement, leading coin expert Hattons of London has created a stunning series of platinum gold sovereign coins featuring celebratory portraits of the Queen at landmark moments throughout her reign.

The coins will feature portraits of Her Majesty which have never before featured on sovereign coins, including images of the Queen’s 1952 Coronation, her Silver and Diamond Jubilees, as well as a portrait of Her Majesty around the time of her becoming our longest reigning monarch in 2015.

The design on the smallest denomination in the range, the one-eighth sovereign, features the royal cypher of Elizabeth II with a celebratory garland of roses, thistles, leeks and shamrocks to represent the nations of the United Kingdom. This garlanded-cypher features on each of the other coins in the series.

Hattons of London is a leading expert in rare and exclusive coins with a vast collection which includes the Queen Victoria 200th anniversary range, featuring the first 24 carat gold twenty pound sovereign.

Hot on the heels of the company’s We Will Remember Them range, which featured the world’s first gold one-eighth sovereign to commemorate all who fought in the Second World War, the Platinum Jubilee Monarch range will also be a world first. 

Managing Director Simon Mellinger explained: “We are extremely excited about this latest collection as they will be the world’s first sovereign coins ever to be minted with ‘platinum-gold’. 

“The Platinum Jubilee is a momentous occasion and by using an exclusive blend of 22 carat gold enriched with 2 carats of platinum, we have created a fitting tribute to the Queen’s 70 years of service to our country, that like Her Majesty, will stand the test of time.”

While pre-orders have seen avid collectors clamouring to get their hands on the range, Mr Mellinger said there are opportunities for everyone. 

“Given the unique nature of the Platinum Jubilee, we’re expecting to see very high demand for the collection. This isn’t just for coin collectors – there’s a much wider appeal for the general public who will want them as a commemoration of this important, and maybe never-to-be repeated, anniversary,” he added. 

Coins are available now, starting from just £69.