On 6th May 1935, George V became the first British monarch to celebrate a Silver Jubilee, marking his 25-year reign as the King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India.
As this was the first ever Silver Jubilee celebration in British history, it was a major broadcast event and was celebrated with multiple large-scale events throughout London and the rest of the country.
The day of the Jubilee celebrations was declared a bank holiday, and it began with a carriage procession through London to St Paul’s Cathedral. At the Cathedral was a national service of thanksgiving, and then there was another procession back to Buckingham Palace. King George and Queen Mary, along with other members of the Royal Family, made a public appearance on the Palace balcony. As this appearance proved popular, the King continued to wave from the balcony for the next few days.
As well as London, the whole of the United Kingdom held garden parties, pageants and other events in celebration of the Jubilee. Later that evening, at 8pm, the King broadcast his Jubilee speech. “From the depths of his heart to his dear people” the King gave thanks on behalf of himself and the Queen for the commemorations. As Britain was experiencing economic difficulties and high unemployment rates at the time, George made it clear when planning the Jubilee commemorations that it should not take away funds from more important issues.
The Jubilee celebrations continued with a ball at Buckingham Palace for a total of two thousand guests on 14th May, an Empire Exhibition and the State Opening of Parliament. Throughout May, the King took carriage rides through London, and to coincide with the Queen’s birthday on 26th May, they took one through North London with their two granddaughters; Princess Elizabeth and Margaret of York. The Lord Mayor of London also hosted a reception in honour of the King and Queen, which was attended by the Prince of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of York.
A Silver Jubilee Medal was created in commemoration of the Jubilee, and it was awarded to a variety of people, including members of the Royal Family, selected officers of state, officials and servants of the Royal Household, government officials, and members of the navy, army, air force and police. The King received a large quantity of telegrams with warm wishes from world leaders and his subjects worldwide. The reaction from the public over the commemorations proved the popularity of a Jubilee celebration and the King himself.
Each coin in this new series features a great British monarch from the past and records one of their great regnal milestones: for example, the quarter sovereign features the founder of the House of Windsor; George V, and celebrates his Silver Jubilee. Secure yours HERE.