Blog

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – what does it mean across different cultures?

27th January 2022
 / 

Queen Elizabeth II will celebrate her Platinum Jubilee on the 6th of February 2022. It will mark 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms, and the Commonwealth. The Queen has travelled the world and has built what we like to call a diverse Britain, so what does the Jubilee mean to different cultures? Within this blog, GottaBe! Ethnic will be discussing the Platinum Jubilee and what this means to ethnic audiences. We will also be looking at how celebrations could be more inclusive. 

What is a Platinum Jubilee, and are there other celebrations like it?

2022 will see Platinum Jubilee Celebrations throughout the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and around the world as communities celebrate Queen Elizabeth II historic reign. 2022 will mark 70 years since Queen Elizabeth II was crowned. She will become the first monarch in British history to reach the Platinum Jubilee status and will be known as the longest-ruling British monarch. Whilst 80% of UK residents weren’t alive when Queen Elizabeth ascended the throne; the Platinum Jubilee will be a marked occasion in many people’s lives.

Queen Elizabeth II joins the small list of Royals worldwide to have reached their Platinum Jubilee. However, we’re sure their celebrations were very different. 

Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand

9 June 1946 – 13 October 2016

The most recent Royal to reach Platinum Jubilee status. Bhumibol Adulyadej became Thailand’s longest-serving monarch in 2016 after 70 years. The celebrations began with a religious ceremony in Bangkok, led by 770 Buddhist monks, to mark the success of the King. 

Johann II, Prince of Liechtenstein

12 November 1858 – 11 February 1929

One of the world’s longest-reigning monarchs (70 years and 91 days) did not like to attend social gatherings. But he did mark the support of his workers with medals to commend them on their loyal service whilst he reigned. 

Louis XIV of France

14 May 1643 – 1 September 1715

The French King is the longest-reigning monarch, with 72 years on the throne; Louis XIV became King at just 4 years old. There is little to no information on Louis XIV of France’s Platinum Jubilee to report on. 

What it means across other cultures/ethnicities 

England is proud of its diverse population, and since Queen Elizabeth II reign, we have seen the ethnic population grow. In 2011, one-in-five people (20%) identified with an ethnic group other than White British compared with 13% in 2001; this is data from the 2011 census. The percentage of ethnic minorities within the UK is expected to be higher in 2022. 

Queen Elizabeth II has consistently advocated for diversity and famously said, “Diversity is a strength, not a threat”. As the Monarch of the Commonwealth, The Queen has travelled worldwide, taking influence from each country and welcoming minority groups to Britain. The influx of multiculturalism within Britain has built the UK’s diverse culture, which defines Britain today. 

We can thank multiculturalism for events such as Nottinghill Carnival and Diwali. These events receive visitors from many cultures and are respected by many. 

Platinum Jubilee celebrations – diversity and inclusion 

Research by ICM Limited found that most (59%) of those surveyed felt that the diversity brought by immigration had enriched British culture. The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee will celebrate her reign and British culture over the last 70 years. We will see a mix of cultures celebrated through the many jubilee celebrations as Britain’s diversity is recognised. 

One of the many celebrations held this year is The Platinum Jubilee Pageant. Her Majesty and the pageant have committed to sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. The Pageant will take place on the 5th of June 2022 and has been created to bring a once-in-a-lifetime experience to millions of people. It will be a celebration of The Queen’s 70-year reign as well as the collective service of our country and communities. 

On the same day, the nation is encouraged to head to the streets to get together and celebrate regardless of differences. The big jubilee lunch is an opportunity for communities to gather and mark the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession. 

In addition to the celebrations of the Platinum Jubilee, a book is being created for school children, which will educate them on the diverse range of rich cultures and notable names, including famous artists, designers, fashion designers, and musicians, capturing the true spirit of the last 70 years and the Queen’s reign. The book aims to highlight an accurate representation of Britain’s history. Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said: “For 70 years, The Queen has played an instrumental role in the events, people and places that have helped shape the United Kingdom and Commonwealth.”

Another of the many celebrations in honour of the Platinum Jubilee is the Heritage Fund for nature and communities. To mark her majesty’s 70 years on the throne, they have pledged £5million to help deprived areas improve the nature ‘on their doorstep’. A further £2million has been committed to supporting traineeships in various environmental charities for 70 young people from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds. 

The complete list of Platinum Jubilee celebrations can be found here.

How celebrations can be more inclusive

The platinum jubilee will look back at The Queens time on the throne and the events surrounding that. Children will be educated on the important people who made it possible, and ethnic minorities will be bought into the light. However, there is more than can be done. English royalty and those who follow them have always been predominantly white. But we know that ethnic communities have had a significant impact on Britain, and this should be celebrated. 

Ways to be more inclusive with events:

Change the stigma – show the minority groups they are welcome. Be open to including the culture of minority groups in your event and celebrate this to make them aware that they are appreciated.

Look at the materials used to advertise- we say this often, but it’s simple. Representing minority groups through imagery and marketing materials will entice them to engage with you by showing them they are welcome and involved. 

Make it accessible – for many people living in the UK, English is not their first language, and this is often looked past. (Link to white paper) Delivering your marketing materials in appropriate languages will see higher engagement. 

Acceptance of the cultural differences in the UK alone! Britain is built on diversity and sees many aspects of varying cultures and traditions within a community. Understanding the origin of the range of British cultures will allow you to appreciate the importance of ethnic communities.GottaBe! Ethnic are multicultural marketing specialists who know how to reach ethnic audiences across the UK; with over 4500 community champions, our team can connect with ethnic minorities. Our events team have presented brands at some of the most significant Ethnic Events across the country and know how to communicate with audiences. We know the power of ethnic minority groups within Britain and understand the impact of the UK’s diversity on the culture throughout the UK. Contact the team today to discuss your event today +44 2380 634283

Let's see how we can work together