Silver jubilees, 1935, 1977. The success of Victoria's Golden and Diamond Jubilees (1887, 1897) persuaded George V's advisers to celebrate his 25 years on the throne with a thanksgiving service, street parties, jubilee mugs, and the like. The silver jubilee of his granddaughter Elizabeth II followed a similar pattern, adding a dash of colour to what had been, in many respects, a sombre reign.

A Dictionary of British History. Copyright © 2001, 2004 by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.