The Sapphire Jubilee of Elizabeth II on 6 February 2017, marked 65 years of Queen Elizabeth II's reign. The longest-reigning monarch in British history, Elizabeth II was the first British monarch to have a sapphire jubilee.
Unlike her Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees, there were no widespread public celebrations of the Queen's Sapphire Jubilee. Instead, like the February 1992 Ruby Jubilee, the Queen did not undertake any official engagements. As then, she spent the day in "quiet reflection" on the anniversary of the death of her father, George VI, and undertaking official work at Sandringham House. She attended a service at St Peter and St Paul Church in West Newton, Norfolk, on Sunday 5 February, where she was greeted by crowds of well-wishers. Larger-scale celebrations took place in June 2016, to mark the Queen's 90th birthday, and any extensive celebrations were reserved for a possible Platinum Jubilee in 2022. Despite proposals for larger celebrations to mark the 65th anniversary of the Queen's accession in June 2017, including a mooted bank holiday, no such celebrations were held.
Commemoration
The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, The Baroness Scotland of Asthal, congratulated the Queen for reaching the Sapphire Jubilee as Head of the Commonwealth and said that she has "been an inspirational monarch. It's clear how much she values the Commonwealth, how dear the Commonwealth family is to her heart, and in return how much the people of our 52 member states value and love her. ... Her wisdom, advice and wonderful support have been invaluable to me since I was elected to office in April 2016".
Australia
On 8 February, in the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull delivered a statement in which he congratulated the Queen on her Sapphire Jubilee, and said "She is so revered and respected here that few of us can say that we are not Elizabethans". The Leader of the Opposition, Bill Shorten, said "Even staunch republicans cannot help but admire the dedication to public duty that the Queen has shown, the life of service that she has led".
In the Senate, a motion was introduced by the Senator for Western Australia, Dean Smith, in which the Senate extended to the Queen "its continuing appreciation for the gracious manner in which she continues to fulfil her duties as Queen of Australia".
Canada
On Accession Day, Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, congratulated the Queen in a tweet:
The Governor General of Canada, David Johnston, congratulated the Queen on her Sapphire Jubilee, and said "This impressive milestone, the first for any sovereign in our history, provides us with an opportunity to express our deepest gratitude for everything Her Majesty has done for the Canadian Crown".
In the House of Commons of Canada, Randy Boissonnault, the member for Edmonton Centre, said, "As we reflect on our history throughout Canada's 150th birthday, we also mark and honour the story of our amazing monarch. God save the Queen".
During the year, a grove of 65 maple trees was planted in Rockcliffe Park in Ottawa, to mark the Queen's Sapphire Jubilee. Other activities were hosted by Lieutenant Governors across the provinces, during the Jubilee year.
On Canada Day, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall inaugurated Rideau Hall's new doors, as "The Queen's Entrance", in celebration of the Queen's Sapphire Jubilee.
A statue of Elizabeth II was commissioned in 2017 to mark the Sapphire Jubilee and the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation. However, its installation at Queen's Park was delayed until 2023 due to financing issues.
Sapphire Jubilee Snowflake Brooch
. At a celebration of Canada's sesquicentennial at Canada House on 19 July 2017, the Governor General of Canada David Johnston presented the Sapphire Jubilee Snowflake Brooch to the Queen as a gift from the Government of Canada to celebrate the Queen's Sapphire Jubilee and to commemorate Canada 150. David Johnston presented the Queen with the brooch moments before she and the Duke of Edinburgh unveiled a new Jubilee Walkway panel outside Canada House. The brooch was designed as a companion to the Diamond Maple Leaf brooch. The piece was made by Hillberg and Berk of Saskatchewan and consists of sapphires from a cache found in 2002 on Baffin Island by brothers Seemeega and Nowdluk Aqpik.