Buckingham Palace has today announced that the Queen will alter her 60th anniversary celebrations in 2012 to recognise the fragile state of the economy. Following in the footsteps of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who have been praised for using a scheduled flight during their forthcoming trip to America, the Queen is planning to use her high profile celebrations to demonstrate that the monarchy can be cost effective.
The palace has already developed a number of partnerships with high street chain stores to produce jubilee memorabilia at affordable prices, with Argos and TV shopping channel QVC leading the way. QVC’s jewellery hour is now advertised with the tagline ‘Diamonique: Fit For A Queen” whilst Argos has produced several pieces of cubic zirconia jewellery to celebrate the occasion and has even resurrected its iconic Elizabeth Duke brand in honour of the Queen and Prince Philip. The new ‘Elizabeth Duke of Edinburgh’ range will go on sale from Monday.
The palace is keen to stress that the modest celebrations will not just apply to the public. The royal household is said to have decided against hiring Elton John and Robbie Williams for the private party and have looked at cheaper alternatives including a group of young boys who are doing well on Britain’s Got Talent, local mobile disco providers and Jedward.
A spokesman for the palace said “Her majesty is absolutely adamant that we can have a great party on a budget. She’s told everyone that she doesn’t want much fuss and that she expects the whole family to muck in.” Prince Edward is said to be doing the entertainment, new additions to the family - the Middletons are providing the partyware, The Duchess of Cornwall is in charge of the bar and Beatrice is already designing some hilarious party hats.
The plans are said to be going extremely well and a palace insider confirmed that everyone has been very enthusiastic about rising to the challenge. “Everyone is really excited. We did have one nervous moment when Prince Harry said he would be in charge of fancy dress and Prince Philip said he could perform some amusing party songs but the Queen nipped it in the bud by saying that if they did anything like that she’d invite Fergie.”