Diamond Jubilee

To celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

by Rebecca Parkinson

Suitable for Key Stage 2

Aims

To celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

Preparation and materials

• You may like to have a child dressed as the Queen during this assembly.
• For the official website for information about the Queen and the royal family, with pictures of the Queen at different stages in her life (click on to the pictures for larger versions), go to http://www.royal.gov.uk/HMTheQueen/Imagegallery.aspx
• The Diamond Jubilee website giving the latest news, photographs and announcements, including historical information, is www.thediamondjubilee.org
• For the Second World War clip of Elizabeth and Margaret go to http://www.royal.gov.uk/HMTheQueen/Earlylife/Earlylife.aspx
• During the year and especially over the extended weekend of 2 to 5 June there are many celebrations planned all over the world. Find out details of any local events (section 6).
• For the message that the Queen gave ten years ago on her Golden Jubilee celebrations, Google ‘The Queen’s Golden Jubilee’ and then click on ‘The Queen’s Jubilee message’.
• For the National Anthem, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN9EC3Gy6Nk

Assembly

1. Start by telling the children that on 21 April 1926 a very special baby was born. Explain that you are going to give them clues as to who this baby was. After each clue allow a child to take a guess.
   
   –  Her mum was called Elizabeth.
   –  Her dad was called George.
   –  She had a sister called Margaret.
   –  She is one of the most famous women in the world.
   –  She has four children.
   –  She was brought up in a palace.
   –  Her grandson William got married last year.
   
   Hopefully, you won’t need all the clues! You may like to use the link above to show the children a picture of the Queen as a baby (Early life).
2. Explain that while Queen Elizabeth had a very privileged upbringing, her parents did try to keep her in touch with ‘normal’ life. The clip you are going to show was made during the Second World War. The two princesses were invited to speak on the radio to all the children in the country (see ‘Preparation and materials’).
   
   Ask the children for their reaction to this clip.
   
   –  What is Elizabeth saying thank you to people for?
   –  What is the situation in the country at this time?
   –  Where have a number of children travelled to?
   –  What does she say the children of the world have a chance to do? (Work for peace)
3. When her father King George VI died on 6 February 1952 the young Princess Elizabeth knew that her life would never be the same again. She would now be the Queen of England!
   
   Over one year later, on 2 June 1953, her coronation was held – at the time it was felt that it was inappropriate to hold a celebration like a coronation too close to the death of the King.
4. This year is the sixtieth year since Princess Elizabeth became Queen. It is called the Diamond Jubilee and there are celebrations planned in many countries.
   
   Until now the only other British king or queen to celebrate a diamond jubilee is Queen Victoria. Queen Victoria reigned for 63 years, 7 months and 2 days. Ask the children if they can work out how much longer Queen Elizabeth will need to reign if she is to beat this record.
5. Ask the children what they think the Queen does. Show them some of the pictures from the official website about the Queen (see ‘Preparation and materials’). If time allows, you may like to select video clips of the Queen at different functions (click on video gallery for full list).
   
   Explain that while people have differing views about the royal family, the vast majority of people believe that the Queen has worked hard and does a tremendous job in representing the country. It is a great achievement to have been the queen for 60 years and it is a wonderful time to celebrate!
6. To celebrate the Diamond Jubilee an extra holiday has been granted so we can all be part of the celebration. The date is Tuesday 5 June. If schools are already on half-term holiday that week they will be allowed to choose another day! (This would be a good time to tell the children of any local events which are planned.)

Time for reflection

We are fortunate to live in a country where we enjoy so much peace.

Pause for a moment to remember those countries that are not so fortunate, countries where there are wars or famines and droughts.

Take a moment to thank God that we are a country which has things to celebrate.

(You may like to read the message that the Queen gave at her Golden Jubilee celebration ten years ago, see ‘Preparation and materials’. Ask the children to reflect on the words as they are spoken.)

Prayer
Dear God,
thank you for our country.
Thank you for celebrations.
Please be with the Queen as she celebrates 60 years of her reign.
Please help her in all that she does.
Amen.

Song/music

‘When I needed a neighbour’ (Come and Praise, 65)
Alternatively, you might like to play the National Anthem