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Platinum Jubilee
Crowds of people waving Union Jack flags on Palace Green for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012

Celebrating Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

We are delighted to be celebrating the 70th anniversary of The Queen's accession to the throne.

This is a major milestone which no other British monarch has ever reached. As we look back over her remarkable reign, we are proud of the University's many connections with The Queen and Royal Family over the years.
Find out more about Jubilee events around Durham
Queen Elizabeth II smiling to crowds in Durham during a visit to mark her Diamond Jubilee in 2012

 

 

University student
We send our warmest congratulations to Her Majesty The Queen on the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee. To have served as monarch for 70 years is a remarkable and unprecedented achievement. Here at Durham University we treasure our many connections with The Queen and the Royal Family. We have hosted Her Majesty on several occasions during her reign, most recently when she visited Durham Castle with His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh in 2012; and, of course, our Stockton campus bears the title ‘Queen’s Campus’ in her honour. We wish Her Majesty a very enjoyable Jubilee and continuing good health and happiness for the future.
Professor Karen O’Brien
Vice-Chancellor and Warden

Events and celebrations

We are enjoying some fabulous Jubilee celebrations, both within our local community and alongside our global network of alumni and supporters. From student volunteering and alumni reunions, to supporting local partners with a special beacon lighting on Palace Green, it's been a weekend to remember.

Keep in touch with events via our social channels

From our student blog

  • Jubilee weekend

    Final year English student Ruby talks about how she and her friends celebrated the Jubilee weekend - from beach trips, barbecues and street parties, to community picnics, light installations and sunny afternoons in College.

    Durham Cathedral at night lit up in red, white and blue for The Queen's Platinum Jubilee

  • A Right Royal Do

    Second year Education Studies student, Louise, was part of a group of student volunteers who helped prepare local schoolchildren for a Jubilee performance of dance and music from across the Commonwealth at Durham's Gala Theatre.

    Student volunteers help prepare schoolchildren to participate in 'A Right Royal Do' to mark The Queen's Platinum Jubilee

Jubilee weekend

Final year English student Ruby talks about how she and her friends celebrated the Jubilee weekend - from beach trips, barbecues and street parties, to community picnics, light installations and sunny afternoons in College.

Durham Cathedral at night lit up in red, white and blue for The Queen's Platinum Jubilee

A Right Royal Do

Second year Education Studies student, Louise, was part of a group of student volunteers who helped prepare local schoolchildren for a Jubilee performance of dance and music from across the Commonwealth at Durham's Gala Theatre.

Student volunteers help prepare schoolchildren to participate in 'A Right Royal Do' to mark The Queen's Platinum Jubilee
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Flashback to the Diamond Jubilee tour

As part of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012, Her Majesty visited Durham and had lunch in Durham Castle, home of University College. Enjoy a flashback from summer 10 years ago!

Watch on YouTube

Previous royal visits

We are proud to have welcomed various members of the Royal Family to Durham over the years. Enjoy the slideshow with memories of previous visits.

 

HRH Princess Elizabeth lays the foundation stone of St Mary's College, Durham University in October 1947

Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth laying the foundation stone of St Mary's College, Durham University, October 1947 (credit: The Northern Echo)

HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother at St Mary's College in 1956

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother looking at a volume of Durham photographs at St Mary's College, Durham University, November 1956. Also in the picture are GM Trevelyan, Dr Williamson and Lord Lawson, Lord Lieutenant (credit: The Northern Echo)

HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother at St John's College in 1987

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother on a visit to St John's College, Durham University to open Leech Hall, June 1987

HRH Prince Charles speaking to students at his Honorary Graduation in 1998

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales receiving an honorary degree from Durham University in 1988

The Queen and Prince Philip in a car visiting Durham in 2012

Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh on a visit to Durham as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012

HRH Prince Charles unveils a plaque at St John's College

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales unveiling a commemorative plaque in honour of his ancestor Dame Elizabeth Bowes in 2018. The plaque is on Bowes House, the former home of Dame Elizabeth Bowes and now part of St John’s College, Durham University.