by HATTINGDON STAFF
The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II will be celebrated around the Commonwealth for four days marking the 70th anniversary of her Majesty’s accession to the throne.
Long before newspapers and Instagram, it was town criers — with their bells and pronounced cries of “Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!” in village squares across Britain — who shared news, gossip and royal family intrigue to interested crowds.
“We’re never going to see another Platinum Jubilee — certainly not in my lifetime,” said Jane Smith, a town crier for the coastal town Bognor Regis who wrote the jubilee proclamation at the request of the event’s organizers. “It was just an absolute honor to be able to do something like that,” she said, adding, “It’s a piece of history.”
The centuries-old tradition, which is kept alive by volunteers and enthusiasts often appointed by towns and villages in Britain, was brought to the fore Thursday afternoon by town criers around Britain, who read a proclamation to honor the Platinum Jubilee celebrating the 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
Hattingdon joins the festivities decked out in a super fun hat made for her by English born and bred creator and designer — Vivian.
The Jackie hat comes in two looks. One features a Union Jack inspired sweetheart hat with round shades inspired by the English flag, and the other sans shades.
Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, wore a chic navy and white Philip Treacy saucer hat.
The Duchess paid a sweet tribute to Princess Diana by wearing her late mother-in-law’s earrings and necklace.
God save her Majesty. God save the Queen.
© Vivian J Grant.
Article Source: The New York Times.
Featured Image: Queen Elizabeth is captured giving a rare smirk in a never-before-seen portrait from 2004.
Updated 6/8/22
Hattingdon 