In 1809, thanksgiving ceremmonies and feasts across Britain ushered George III int his fiftieth year as king. This was the first British celebration of a royal jubilee and set the tone for the five that have followed since: processions, fireworks, construction of monuments, the striking of special coins and medals, and of course, the sale of commemorative mugs. Queen Victoria marked her golden and diamond jubilees in 1887 and 1897 amid throngs of patriotic subjects from all over the world and the celbrations were also held for George V's jubilee in 1935.
Following the festivities in 1977 and 2002, Queen Elizabeth II is the first British monarch ever to celebrate her third jubilee, as she begins her seventh decade on the throne.
