Government gifts Queen a music box for Platinum Jubilee

Hand-painted enamel-on-copper item has names of serving ministers inscribed on inside of lid

Tom Batchelor
Thursday 09 June 2022 15:39
Comments
<p>The Cabinet’s gift to the Queen for the Platinum Jubilee was a music box featuring No 10 Downing Street </p>

The Cabinet’s gift to the Queen for the Platinum Jubilee was a music box featuring No 10 Downing Street

Boris Johnson and his cabinet colleagues have given the Queen a musical box as a present to mark the Platinum Jubilee.

The hand-painted enamel-on-copper item has the names of serving ministers inscribed on the inside of the lid.

When opened, the box – which pictures No 10 Downing Street on the top and a miniature portrait of all fourteen prime ministers since 1952 around the sides – plays Handel’s ‘Hallelujah’.

James Callaghan’s cabinet marked the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977 by presenting the monarch with a silver coffee pot.

In 2002, for the Golden Jubilee, the Queen received a silver gilt plate from Tony Blair’s cabinet, which was engraved with their signatures.

“The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee marks a symbolic moment in our nation’s history, and this bespoke musical box gifted by members of the cabinet serves to commemorate the celebrations that will remain etched in our memories,” the government said in a statement.

“A symbol of praise, this gift honours her exemplary service and phenomenal achievements.”

When opened it plays Handel’s ‘Hallelujah’

The Queen reached her Platinum Jubilee in February, becoming the first British sovereign to mark 70 years on the throne.

The 96 year-old monarch celebrated with an extended public holiday last week and a series of events including a pageant in London.

Register for free to continue reading

Registration is a free and easy way to support our truly independent journalism

By registering, you will also enjoy limited access to Premium articles, exclusive newsletters, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalists

Please enter a valid email
Please enter a valid email
Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number
Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number
Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number
Please enter your first name
Special characters aren’t allowed
Please enter a name between 1 and 40 characters
Please enter your last name
Special characters aren’t allowed
Please enter a name between 1 and 40 characters
You must be over 18 years old to register
You must be over 18 years old to register
Opt-out-policy
You can opt-out at any time by signing in to your account to manage your preferences. Each email has a link to unsubscribe.

By clicking ‘Create my account’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy policy and Terms of service apply.

Already have an account? sign in

By clicking ‘Register’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy policy and Terms of service apply.

Register for free to continue reading

Registration is a free and easy way to support our truly independent journalism

By registering, you will also enjoy limited access to Premium articles, exclusive newsletters, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalists

Already have an account? sign in

By clicking ‘Register’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy policy and Terms of service apply.

Join our new commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in