David Farnor | On 01, Jun 2022

This week, Queen Elizabeth II becomes the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne. To mark the historic milestone, the UK is rolling out all the pomp and pageantry imaginable, from street parties to parades and processions. In short: there will be bunting. Lots of bunting.

Looking to follow the occasion on the small screen? You won’t be short of options, with the four-day bank holiday crammed with programmes and special coverage of all the main events. There’s even a special EastEnders episode to boot. What’s on when and who’s showing what? Here’s your weekend streaming guide to the Platinum Jubilee on TV:

Wednesday 1st June

The Queen: 70 Glorious Years – BBC One

Marking 70 years since the Queen ascended the throne, Britain’s best-loved stars share memories of the changes they have lived through during her reign. Narrated by Julie Walters.

Catch up on BBC iPlayer

Elizabeth: A Portrait in Parts – Amazon Prime Video

From the late director Roger Michell, this documentary is a nostalgic, uplifting and fresh modern chronicle of the 70-year reign of the Queen.

Catch up on Amazon Prime Video

Thursday 2nd June

Trooping the Colour – BBC One

The first of the festivities will be Trooping the Colour (The Queen’s Birthday Parade), consisting of 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians who will be joined by Royal Family members on horseback and in carriages. The Royal Family will also gather on the balcony at Buckingham Palace. Coverage will kick off at 10am.

Available on BBC iPlayer after broadcast.

Lighting up the Jubilee – BBC One

Did you know the UK has a long-standing tradition of lighting beacons to celebrate royal weddings, coronations and jubilees? On Thursday night, thousands of candles will be lit by charities and community groups across the UK. A total of 54 Commonwealth beacons will be lit (one in each Commonwealth capital city) and the principal beacon will also be lit – an illumination of a “tree of trees” sculpture at Buckingham Palace. As the principal beacon is lit, Gregory Porter will perform A Life Lived with Grace, accompanied by the London Community Gospel Choir. Coverage runs from 8pm to 10pm.

Available on BBC iPlayer after broadcast.

EastEnders – BBC One

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will make a special appearance in Thursday’s episode of EastEnders, with a new take on the iconic theme tune concluding the episode. It airs at 7.30pm.

Available on BBC iPlayer after broadcast.

Friday 3rd June

A Service of Thanksgiving – BBC One

A service of Thanksgiving will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral in London. David Dimbleby will provide expert commentary from inside St Paul’s, leading viewers through the service. Sophie Raworth meets many of the key people taking part. From the BBC’s platinum jubilee studio at St James’s Park, Kirsty Young will be joined by special guests who share their experiences of spending time with the Queen and reflect on how important her faith has been through the years. Coverage begins at 9.15am.

Available on BBC iPlayer after broadcast.

The Crown Jewels – BBC One

With unprecedented access to the latest technology, Clive Myrie reveals the complicated history buried within the Crown Jewels. Airs at 7.30pm.

Available on BBC iPlayer after broadcast.

Saturday 4th June

The National Lottery’s Big Jubilee Street Party – ITV

Jason Manford and Fleur East are your hosts for a party at the AO Arena in Manchester that will celebrate the Queen’s 70 years on the UK throne Entertaining an audience of 10,000 with special performances, surprise guests and moving stories that tell the story of the Queen’s reign, stars at the event will include Ella Henderson, Becky Hill, Heather Small, Mark Owen and Lady Blackbird. The party begins at 5pm.

Available on ITV Hub after broadcast.

The Coronation – BBC One

Marking the 65th anniversary of Her Majesty the Queen’s coronation, the Queen shares her memories of the ceremony, as well as that of her father, King George VI, in 1937. It airs at 6pm.

Available on BBC iPlayer after broadcast.

Platinum Party at the Palace – BBC One

Kirsty Young and Roman Kemp will lead live coverage of the Platinum Party at the Palace. The celebration will see famous faces from the world of entertainment brought together to perform for a night of musical tributes to celebrate The Queen’s 70-year reign, including Queen and Adam Lambert, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Craig David, Elbow, George Ezra, Diversity, Alicia Keys, Duran Duran and Diana Ross. The party runs from 7.30pm to 10.30pm.

Available on BBC iPlayer after broadcast.

Sunday 5th June

Platinum Jubilee Pageant – BBC One

The Pageant will serve as an opportunity to gather and pay tribute to The Queen. It will culminate with the singing of the national anthem. The Pageant will bring to life iconic moments from The Queen’s reign as well as showcasing our changing society over the past 70 years. 10,000 people are involved, including the military, over 6,000 volunteers, performers, key workers and 2,500 members of the general public. The Gold State Carriage, led by The Sovereign’s Escort, will lead the Pageant, while original film footage recorded on Coronation Day will be used to recreate the occasion. Coverage begins at 1pm, with the Pageant at 2.30pm.

Available on BBC iPlayer after broadcast.

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