As Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 96th birthday last Thursday in the privacy of her Sandringham estate (marked by 96 cannon shots), she received a gift straight from the United States, signed by the major toy manufacturer Mattel and her star Barbie doll. In the box, a carbon copy doll of Her Most Gracious Majesty, in a very royal and solemn pose, having nothing to do with the lively Barbie included in the “Tribute Collection”. The concept artist succeeded in reproducing all the features of the Queen’s face with precision, as a portrait painter would do. The same similarity in her outfit where no detail is missing: the royal doll wears a tone-on-tone printed ivory dress, a blue scarf enhanced with a jewel in the shape of a medallion representing the order of the royal family, a gift from her grand-grandfather. dad. All the other precious pieces stitched to her chest are miniature copies of those worn by the Queen, with historical and symbolic significance, such as this medallion placed on a pink ribbon offered by her father George VI and her tiara, a reminder of that of Queen Mary, mother of Queen Elizabeth II.
The doll bearing the effigy of Her Most Gracious Majesty. Mattel/AFP
Her Majesty’s look
According to Barbie Design Department Manager Robert Best, “The challenge was to create a dress inspired by Her Majesty’s iconic look. More precisely the one she favors for her official portraits”. This commemorative doll is also dedicated to the sovereign’s platinum jubilee, the festivities of which will extend throughout this year, with four days, from June 2 to 5, which will be public holidays. Elizabeth II thus becomes the first British crowned head to celebrate a platinum jubilee, following her accession to the throne on February 6, 1952, when she was only 25 years old. A 70-year reign that was to be commemorated with great fanfare across the UK and the Commonwealth. On June 2, the public demonstrations will begin with a spectacular parade. More than 1,400 soldiers will parade from Buckingham Palace, accompanied by 200 horses and 400 musicians, to mark first, as tradition dictates, the Queen’s official birthday which usually takes place on the second Saturday in June. The parade will end with the usual fly-by of Royal Air Force planes, watched by the Queen and members of the Royal Family from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. In the evening, a lantern illumination will take place, a custom associated with major royal events. On June 3, a service of thanksgiving (Service of Thanksgiving) is planned at Saint Paul’s Cathedral, in tribute to the long reign of Elizabeth II. The following day, accompanied by the entire royal family, the sovereign will attend the prestigious Epsom Downs Derby horse races.
Details of the Queen’s miniature jewellery. Photo taken from the Queen Elizabeth Barbie Twitter account
The eye of the New World on Old England
On the evening of June 4, head for the Platinum Party Palace, around a concert organized and broadcast by the BBC live from Buckingham Palace. This evening will bring together some of the biggest stars in show business who will celebrate the most important and joyous moments of the Queen’s seven decades of reign. The Big Jubilee Lunch will follow on June 5. Launched in 2009, this meeting takes the form of reunions organized between neighbors to encourage the different communities to get to know each other better by coming together in a festive and friendly spirit around a collective meal. This year, the jubilee will be placed at the heart of this event. This is followed by the Platinum Jubilee Pageant, a grand parade attended by over 5,000 people from across the UK and Commonwealth states, once morest the backdrop of Buckingham Palace and the surrounding streets. It will combine street arts, theatre, music, circus and carnival, in tribute to the services rendered by Her Majesty throughout her reign.
Meanwhile, in the United States, Barbie’s tribute to Queen Elizabeth II will have been a hit. Barely released on the market, copies of the doll bearing the image of Her Most Gracious Majesty sold like hot cakes, at 75 dollars apiece all the same. Two centuries following having evacuated the America it had occupied, Great Britain still leaves its footprints there. In addition to the fact that these two countries have special ties at the state level, many traditions (including Christmas celebrations), and a certain way of life imported by the settlers have been adopted. The New World, with its eyes still fixed on Old England, is preparing to follow, via the small screen, the unfolding of the events on the program for the platinum jubilee of this sovereign for whom the fifty States of the star-spangled banner carry a very keen interest and particular sympathy. Expressing this British Nostalgia, always in tune with the times, from the east coast to the west coast via the Midland.
As Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 96th birthday last Thursday in the privacy of her Sandringham estate (marked by 96 cannon shots), she received a gift straight from the United States, signed by the major toy manufacturer Mattel and her star Barbie doll. In the box, a carbon copy doll of Her Most Gracious Majesty, in a very royal pose…
