Milestone years have been celebrated in long reigns since George III
King George III
Golden Jubilee, 1809-10
An etching of George III during his Golden Jubilee year | RCIN 604469Copyright: Royal Collection Enterprises Limited
George III’s jubilee celebrations began in 1809. On the morning of 25 October, the day marking the beginning of the 50th year of his reign, a Service of Thanksgiving was held in St George’s Chapel, Windsor, followed by a review of the troops.
The king himself was not well enough to take part in any further celebrations but Queen Charlotte and members of his family attended an ox roast in Windsor and later joined a fête held in the grounds of Frogmore House. 1,200 guests were invited to the occasion, which included fireworks, illuminations, ‘an elegant supper’ and an elaborate water pageant on the lake celebrating the Triumphs of Britannia.
