Queen's Birthday 2012

Queen's Birthday 2012

As Queen’s Birthday weekend approaches, Monarchy New Zealand sends its best wishes to The Queen of New Zealand on her 60th official birthday.

This weekend also sees celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the accession of The Queen. Elizabeth II is only the second Sovereign of New Zealand to have reigned for 60 years; Queen Victoria celebrated her Diamond Jubilee in 1897. Together, these two Queens have reigned for 121 of the 172 years since the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

This Diamond Jubilee is being widely marked throughout New Zealand and the Commonwealth. Communities and associations around New Zealand are celebrating the Jubilee in different ways. A number of events have already gained significant attention, and nationwide celebrations will be taking place over this weekend. Special Diamond Jubilee beacons will be lit across the country, a street party will cast the limelight on the Kapiti Coast, and celebratory lunches will be held in honour of The Queen in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, to name a small section of events.

Monarchy New Zealand is also looking forward to the announcement of the new Queen’s Birthday and Diamond Jubilee Honours list. This will not only feature four Additional Members to the Order of New Zealand, our most prestigious award, but it will also highlight and celebrate the huge achievements and successes of Kiwis from all walks of life.

For some time, Monarchy New Zealand has been encouraging government officials to recognise the role of New Zealand’s Royal Family in the life of the nation. It is traditional to bestow honours on them to recognise their service to the realm. “No one in the Royal Family receives a salary for the work they do. They do not cost New Zealand taxpayers a cent and they are at the nation’s service at all times. An award to recognise many years of service would be a nice gesture,” said Dr Sean Palmer, Chair of Monarchy New Zealand. Prince Philip and Prince Charles were made Extra Companions of the Queen’s Service Order years ago, but a more senior honour would be an appropriate ‘thank you’ and would be noticed around the world. “When Prince Philip and Prince Charles wear their uniforms, the most visible decorations are those from New Zealand. That’s an excellent advertisement for New Zealand that the whole world sees on some of the most famous and most photographed people in the world.”

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