The lighting of beacons across the commonwealth to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee
Beacons were lit across all 54 Commonwealth nations to mark Queen Elizabeth II's 70 years on the throne.
Key Facts
- Date of lighting
- 2 June 2022
- Commonwealth countries involved
- 54 countries
- Jubilee milestone
- Platinum (70 years)
- UK territories included
- United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, British Overseas Territories
- Accompanying event
- Commonwealth Song sung by choirs worldwide simultaneously
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Queen Elizabeth II reached her Platinum Jubilee in 2022, marking 70 years since her accession to the throne in February 1952. The United Kingdom has a long tradition of celebrating royal milestones—jubilees, weddings, and coronations—through the ceremonial lighting of beacons across the nation and Commonwealth.
On 2 June 2022, beacons were lit simultaneously throughout the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, British Overseas Territories, and the capital cities of all 54 Commonwealth nations. A Commonwealth Song was performed by choirs around the world timed to coincide precisely with the beacon lightings.
The coordinated beacon lighting and choral performance created a shared global moment of commemoration across the Commonwealth. The event reinforced the ceremonial traditions associated with the British monarchy and demonstrated the continued cultural and symbolic ties binding Commonwealth member states to the Crown.