A computer generated image of The Spirit of Chartwell vessel as the Royal Barge that will carry the Queen in the Thames Diamond Jubilee River Pageant in celebration of her 60-year reign, on June 3.
Canada's celebrations for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee are planned, but the Ministry of Canadian Heritage is not ready to reveal them just yet.
"This is a rare and important milestone and one that we look forward to celebrating with Canadians across the country," said James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage, but he wouldn't share specifics.
What is known is that in December, the federal government announced it would spend $7.5-million to fund the celebrations, $2-million of that on yet-to-be-announced events and $3.7-million for 60,000 commemorative medals to be given to Canadians throughout the year. The medals are meant to recognize the service of Canadians who have made an impact in their community, as well as young Canadians.
Part of the money will go to fund community-organized celebrations. Individual town associations and first nations community groups are eligible to apply for funding to create their own celebrations closer to home.
In May, Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, will visit Canada as part of a multiple-country tour to mark the occasion. Also in commemoration of the Queen's Diamond year, Canada Post released new stamps earlier this week.
Canada will begin the official Jubilee events on Feb. 6 in Ottawa, exactly 60 years from the Queen's accession to the throne. Though it is keeping the specifics of the events quiet for now, Ottawa has announced that the first of the Jubilee medals will be handed out on that day.
Kaleigh Rogers