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Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II | Buckingham Palace

Become a part of the wonderful celebration of the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II this year at Buckingham Palace! Learn how relations between the Japanese and British royal families developed over time and also the story behind how Elizabeth took to the throne. 

So grab this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and visit Buckingham Palace to take a look at some of the most prized possessions of the Sovereign that will be exhibited at the State Rooms and the Queen’s Gallery!

Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II Exhibits at Buckingham Palace

buckingham palace

Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II Exhibits at Buckingham Palace Dates

Japan: Courts and Culture

Dates: 8th April 2022 to 12th March 2023

Platinum Jubilee: The Queen’s Accession

Dates: 22nd July to 2nd October 2022

Buckingham Palace Opening Times

Open every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays 

July to August: 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM; last admission - 5:15 PM

September to October: 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM; last admission - 4:15 PM

How to Visit the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II Exhibitions at Buckingham Palace?

While there are no specific tickets to visit the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee exhibitions at Buckingham Palace, you will still need to book your tickets to the Buckingham Palace itself. The exhibits will be held at the State Rooms and the Queen’s Galleries at Buckingham Palace. You can simply display your tickets at the entrance and head inside to take a look at these exhibits. 

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Platinum Jubilee: The Queen’s Accession

queen elizabeth's coronation

This year, Queen Elizabeth II will become the first British Monarch to ever celebrate her Platinum Jubilee. To mark such a monumental occasion, the royal estates will stage iconic displays that recall the Queen’s long reign. 

Tourists visiting the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace can catch a glimpse of the Queen’s first official portraits, captured by photographer Dorothy Wilding, and jewellery Queen Elizabeth wore during the portrait sitting. 

This exhibition, titled Platinum Jubilee: The Queen’s Accession, honours the beginning of her reign. Don’t forget to spot the magnificent Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara as well! 

Items Displayed at Platinum Jubilee: The Queen’s Accession

dorothy wilding portraits

Dorothy Wilding Portraits

Reflecting elegance, grace and poise are the Queen's first official portraits shot just a few weeks after she acceded to the throne in 1952. These portraits are fundamental to the Queen’s image; they were sent to all the British Embassies around the globe and also used on postage stamps from 1953 to 1971.  

Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara

Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara

One crown jewel of the Platinum Jubilee exhibitions of Elizabeth II is the beautiful Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. Lovingly called ‘granny’s tiara’, it was a wedding gift from Queen Mary to Princess Elizabeth. Loyal fans know that this tiara is on several British and Commonwealth banknotes and coinage. 

Japan: Courts and Culture

platinum jubilee of elizabeth ii

If you find yourself in Buckingham Palace from 8 April 2022 to 12 March 2023, visit The Queen’s Gallery to see the Japan: Courts and Culture exhibition. This exhibition is also a part of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee and will put out pieces from The Royal Collection. 

These pieces highlight the 300-year-long diplomatic history between the British and Japanese royal families. 

Discover rare, delicate porcelain and lacquer artefacts, samurai armour, embroidered screens and other gifts exchanged between the two monarchies over the years. This exhibition is a must-visit for people who want an insight into Japanese artistry and design; and the diplomacy, honour and artistry that the two countries continue to share. 

Items Displayed at Japan: Courts and Culture

Japanese porcelain

Porcelain

The major attraction of this exhibition is the variety of rare porcelain items you can see on display. Kakiemon-style hexagonal jars, a pair of pastille burners in the shape of turtles (a symbol of longevity) and porcelain jars with bronze mounts used for potpourri in eighteenth-century France, are some of the items you can see here. 

japanese laquer

Lacquer

Lacquer is a shiny coating applied to wood or metal pieces, and Japanese culture has a long history of making beautiful decorative items coated with lacquer. This exhibit includes some rare items such as the first diplomatic gift from Japan after WWII—a lacquer box with a painted heron and a gold, black and silver lacquer cabinet gifted to Queen Mary at her coronation. 

japanese armour

Samurai Armour

To offer warriors with good mobility and protection, samurai armour is made with silk lace and iron pieces. Visitors can see Domaru on display as well, a beautiful suit of Japanese Samurai armour made from at least two different armours. Containing a 62-plate helmet designed by Myōchin Nobuie, this armour was gifted to Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh in 1869. 

japanese gifts to British Royal Family

Other Items

Other rare items on display include a folding screen depicting the change in seasons across its four panels, a teapot set purchased by Prince George in 1881, and a unique vase made in Kyoto with exceptionally vivid colours and intricate latticework.

Other Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II Exhibitions

windsor castle
palace of holyroodhouse

FAQs on Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II Exhibitions at Buckingham Palace

Q. What is the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II?

A. In June 2022, Queen Elizabeth will complete 70 years of her service to the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth. To celebrate this occasion, the UK will observe a bank holiday from 2nd June to 5th June 2022.

Q. What is the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II Exhibitions at Buckingham Palace?

A. Buckingham Palace will conduct two exhibitions for the occasion of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. The Queen's Accession exhibition will display the famous Dorothy Wilding portraits of the Queen. The Japan: Courts and Culture exhibition will display some beautiful Japanese porcelain that the British Royal Family has received over the past 300 years by the Japanese Royal Family.

Q. Can I visit the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II Exhibitions at Buckingham Palace?

A. Yes, the Platinum Jubilee exhibitions at Buckingham Palace will be open for anyone to visit. You simply need to book tickets to Buckingham Palace and you're free to explore these exhibitions.

Q. What are the dates for the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II Exhibitions at Buckingham Palace?

A. The Japan: Courts and Culture exhibition will be open from 8th April 2022 to 12th March 2023. The Platinum Jubilee: The Queen's Accession exhibition will be open from 22nd July to 2nd October 2022.

Q. How do I book tickets to the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II?

A. Whether you're attending one of the events of the celebration or you're visiting an exhibition, you need not book any special tickets for the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II. You can simply buy tickets to Buckingham Palace and you are free to explore the Platinum Jubilee exhibits within.