Accession Day is a public holiday in the United Kingdom that commemorates the day on which a new monarch ascends to the throne. It is typically celebrated on the first Monday in June, but the date can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the monarch’s accession.
The tradition of celebrating Accession Day dates back to the early 17th century, when it was first observed in honor of King James I. The holiday quickly became popular, and by the time of Queen Victoria’s accession in 1837, it was one of the most important national holidays in the UK.
On Accession Day, there are typically a number of official events held, including a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey and a gun salute from the Tower of London. There are also often public celebrations, such as street parties and firework displays.
In addition to its official and public celebrations, Accession Day is also a time for people to reflect on the reign of the current monarch and their legacy. It is a day to celebrate the institution of monarchy and to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to its constitutional monarchy.
History of Accession Day
The first recorded celebration of Accession Day took place in 1603, to mark the accession of King James I. The holiday quickly became popular, and by the early 18th century, it was one of the most important national holidays in the UK.
Accession Day celebrations typically included a variety of events, such as bonfires, feasts, and pageants. These events were often used to promote the monarch and their policies. For example, during the reign of King Charles II, Accession Day celebrations were often used to celebrate the return of the monarchy after the English Civil War.
In the 19th century, Accession Day celebrations became more formal and subdued. This was due in part to the changing nature of the monarchy itself. Under Queen Victoria, the monarchy became more centralized and less reliant on public support. As a result, Accession Day celebrations became less about celebrating the monarch and more about celebrating the institution of monarchy itself.
Accession Day celebrations today
Today, Accession Day is still celebrated in the UK, but on a smaller scale than in the past. The official events on Accession Day typically include a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey and a gun salute from the Tower of London. There are also often public celebrations, such as street parties and firework displays.
However, Accession Day is no longer as significant a national holiday as it once was. This is due in part to the decline of the monarchy’s popularity in recent years. In addition, the UK is now a multicultural society, and Accession Day celebrations are not as widely observed by people from non-British backgrounds.
Despite these challenges, Accession Day remains an important day in British history and culture. It is a day to celebrate the institution of monarchy and to reflect on the reign of the current monarch.
Accession Day in the reign of Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II has reigned for over 70 years, making her the longest-reigning monarch in British history. During her reign, Accession Day has been celebrated with a variety of events, including official ceremonies, public celebrations, and special television broadcasts.
In 2012, Accession Day was celebrated with a special Diamond Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace. The concert was attended by over 10,000 people and was broadcast live to millions of people around the world.
In 2022, Accession Day was celebrated with a special Platinum Jubilee pageant. The pageant was a parade that took place through the streets of London and featured floats, performers, and celebrities from all over the world.
Accession Day is a special day for the British people to celebrate their monarch and their nation’s history. It is a day to reflect on the past and to look forward to the future.
Conclusion
Accession Day is a significant day in British history and culture. It is a day to celebrate the institution of monarchy and to reflect on the reign of the current monarch. Accession Day celebrations have evolved over time, but they remain an important part of the British national calendar.
