Getting into the Diamond Jubilee Spirit

The big weekend is upon us and I could not be more excited! Oh wait, I could..if I were in London instead of in New Jersey, home, sick.

So, while I sit and watch the coverage from across the pond, eating my Fortnum & Mason Diamond Jubilee edition, chocolate dipped biscuits from a tin that plays “God Save the Queen,” I share with you some of my favorite Jubilee inspired campaigns of the week.

Virgin Atlantic’s #UnionJackSquare 

If I were not sick/had my sister’s graduation party to attend, this is where I would be for the Jubilee weekend. Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Atlantic are helping Anglophiles get into the spirit by taking over New York City’s Union Square. Branson initiated a Twitter campaign to get Mayor Mike Bloomberg to rename the famous park to “Union Jack Square” in honor of the British celebrations. The party will go on regardless of the outcome of our pleas – Virgin is going all out to make New Yorkers feel the Union Jack love. From 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Virgin cabin crew and Foot Guards will be on hand to interact with guests and even perform the traditional changing of the guard. Think you have what it takes to make the infamously serious guards laugh? You’ll be entered to win 20 round-trip tickets from New York to London. Bloody brilliant, Branson!

Marriott International – Corgi Cocktail

If you happen to be visiting the right side of the pond on June 4th and staying at a UK Marriott International Hotel, you’re in for a good time! Marriott is offering complimentary “The Corgi” to those named Elizabeth or those born in 1952 – the year Her Majesty ascended to the throne. The unique drink is made from Hendricks gin, elderflower liqueur, blackberries, raspberries, fresh lime and mint and will be served by bartenders in fashion-forward Union Jack garb. Not named Elizabeth or born in 1952? The drink can be purchased for  £7.50. Bottoms up, Brits!

Red, White..and Tower Bridge!

Press Association, Daily Mail

 One of London’s most iconic landmarks is all lit up for Her Majesty’s big party in red, white and blue. The Tower Bridge, decked with 3,800 LED lights, will glow a diamond white for the celebrations, including the pageant on the River Thames on Sunday. Absolutely stunning!

And if you haven’t seen Heathrow Airport’s Royal Runway yet..check out my post from last week! It’s absolutely amazing.

Happy Celebrating!

Heathrow Airport Unveils Royal Runway

I’ve saved the first post with the brand new blog header for something special – something that brings together my real-life work and my royal watching work. This morning, Heathrow Airport unveiled a Royal Runway in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

A larger-than-life Union Jack flag with an image of Her Majesty was laid out on Heathrow’s runway to welcome the world to London for the big celebration. Measuring at 540 square meters and 30 meters in length (that’s 10 meters taller than Buckingham Palace), the flag has been positioned so flyers will see it immediately upon descending into Heathrow. Travelers inside the airport will have a perfect view of The Queen’s profile from inside the terminals.

In the coming hours, days and week 780,000 visitors are expected to arrive at Heathrow to take part in the special occassion.. I wish I were one of them!

Want to see a time lapse video of the flag’s creation? Of course you do!

Check it out here.

 

*Disclosure – Heathrow Airport is a client.

*All photo credit to BAA.