silver jubilees

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silver jubilees, 1935, 1977. The success of Victoria's Golden and Diamond Jubilees (1887, 1897) persuaded George V's advisers to celebrate his 25 years on the throne with a thanksgiving service (marred, in the king's view, only by ‘too many parsons’), street parties, jubilee mugs, and the like. ‘I remember so well both Queen Victoria's jubilees,’ wrote the king, ‘and can't yet realise that I am having one now.’ The silver jubilee of his granddaughter Elizabeth II followed a similar pattern, adding a dash of colour to what had been, in some respects, a sombre reign.

J. A. Cannon

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