‘Most celebrations will be taking place in the summer’ commented the Dean, The Very Reverend Michael Tavinor, ‘but we should remember that the actual accession took place on 6 February 1952, which was the day when King George VI died at Sandringham. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were in Kenya on a royal visit when they received news of The King’s death, and we are told that The Queen has always kept this date quietly, as she recalls not only her accession to the throne, but also the death of her father.’

‘The service is, first and foremost, an act of thanksgiving for the Queen’s long reign- for her great service to nation and Commonwealth’, continued the Dean.  ‘Her Majesty sets all a wonderful example of Christian service and, as Supreme Governor of the Church of England, has always been guided by her Christian faith.’

Everyone is warmly invited to join us  at the service on 5 February. also in attendance  

 will be Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenants from the three counties associated with the cathedral – Herefordshire, Shropshire and Powys – as well as by Deputy Lieutenants and other representatives of the civic communities of our diocese. As an act of thanksgiving for Her Majesty’s reign, the Lieutenancy and the Chapter have commissioned a new silver mace to be used at cathedral services and events, especially on those occasions when one of the Lord-Lieutenants is representing the Crown. The new mace has been made by Wally Gilbert, who is a local silversmith of distinction.

During the service, the new mace will be presented at the altar by the three Lord-Lieutenants, and it will be dedicated by the Bishop.

To download a pdf of the invitation please click here: Diamond Jubilee service 5th Feb