New plans unveiled for Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebration

Plans have been unveiled for the first big celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next year, and it how will be a fitting tribute to one of her greatest passions.

The 2022 Royal Windsor Horse Show will culminate in a 90-minute event in the grounds of Windsor Castle as the country begins the big celebrations of the Queen’s 70-year reign.

The show – involving a cast of the world’s best-known actors and singers – will be broadcast live on ITV.

 Organisers spoke of the event being a way for the country to celebrate the Queen’s “constant, courageous and committed presence”.

Actors Helen Mirren and Stephen Fry are tipped to be involved and, in a video message at the launch event, Fry spoke of the Queen’s “unprecedented reign”.

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The stars who will appear are doing so because they are “deeply respectful” of the Queen and want to perform in front of her, said the organisers on Tuesday.

Never before has Britain had a Monarch who has ruled for seven decades.

500 horses and 1,000 dancers and musicians will take part in the show with a floodlit Windsor Castle in the background.

It will also celebrate the Queen’s other passions, the Armed Forces and the Commonwealth by marking India’s 75th anniversary of independence with a big contribution from Bollywood.

Producer and Director, Simon Brooks-Ward, said the Queen has been involved in shaping the plans.

She “wants to know exactly what’s going on within the celebration”, he said.

He also noted that they “miss enormously” the Duke of Edinburgh’s contribution to the horse show.

Prince Philip, who used to give feedback and “suggestions” to the organisers is expected to be appropriately commemorated as it will be the first big royal jubilee without him.

All the senior members of Royal Family are likely to attend the Horse Show – which will end with the live celebration on 15 May.

Brooks-Ward said the event he is overseeing will be “light-hearted and joyful but also traditional and respectful”.

Tickets go on sale from Wednesday 22 September.

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