Golden Jubilee poetry competition
Published
THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IS ISSUED BY THE PRESS SECRETARY TO THE QUEEN
As part of the celebration of The Queen's Golden Jubilee next year, the Royal Household has organised a poetry competition which will be open to all pupils aged from seven to 18 throughout the UK.
The winners will be invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace and be presented with specially commissioned medals by The Queen. The design of these medals will be based on Raphael's Study for the Figure of Poetry, which has been in the Royal Collection for over 300 years.
Entries will be judged by a panel chaired by the Poet Laureate, Andrew Motion. The theme of the competition is The Queen's Golden Jubilee. It is expected that the poems will range in their choice of subject from being about The Queen herself, to considering some aspect of her time on the throne - a particular incident or historical event, the changes and developments in our national identities - anything which summarises or illuminates the period.
Andrew Motion said: "We hope that the largest possible number of pupils will enter, and that the result will not simply be a tribute to The Queen, but an honouring and elaboration of the vital role that poetry itself has always played in our national life.
"We intend that the Golden Jubilee Poetry Competition will pay homage to the past, celebrate the present, and look to the future."
Keeper of the Privy Purse, Sir Michael Peat, added: "The Queen's Golden Jubilee will be an opportunity to look back and celebrate all that the Country has achieved over the past 50 years, and also to look forward as we move into the 21st century.
"It is important to involve young people in this process and there are probably few better or more enjoyable ways of doing so than by means of poetry, which is such a succinct and enduring way of capturing the spirit of the times."
All entries will be preserved for posterity in the Royal Archives at Windsor Castle. The fifty best poems will be published in a booklet and sent to all participating schools.
Related content
Opening of the new colonnade of Sydney Opera House, 13 March 2006
It was universally agreed that the Opera House was something more than a performing arts centre, more than a great work of architecture.
State Visit, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, 7 March 2006
I have vivid and happy memories of my visit to Brazil with Prince Philip in 1968, especially the warmth and hospitality of the Brazilian people.
State Banquet, President of the People's Republic of China, 8 November 2005
It matters to all of us what kind of country China's people will build.
Norway State Banquet, 25 October 2005
I remember the bonfires along the coastline as we arrived and the enthusiastic welcome we received as guests of your grandfather, King Haakon.
Dinner in HMS Victory, 200th anniversary of Trafalgar, 21 October 2005
Success at Trafalgar was by no means a foregone conclusion.
World War II commemorative event, Horse Guards Parade, 10 July 2005
An act of remembrance is an act of honour.
Centenary of Alberta joining Confederation, Alberta Legislature, Canada, 24 May 2005
While all Albertans — and all Canadians — value this history as a colourful account of the past, we also view it as a foundation for our present and future.
Federal lunch in Regina, Saskatchewan, 20 May 2005
I retain a deep affection for this great country and for the people who take such pride in saying "I am Canadian".
Marking 60th anniversary of the end of World War II in Guernsey, 9 May 2005
Prince Philip and I are happy to be in Guernsey on this sixtieth anniversary of liberation and to have joined in the Service of Thanksgiving
Visit to Jersey to mark the 60th anniversary of Liberation, 9 May 2005
I am pleased that so many people are present today for whom the 9th of May has such a personal significance.
State Banquet, President of Italy, 15 March 2005
We in Britain today are enthusiastic admirers of Italian culture, Italian fashion and Italian food.
60th anniversary D-Day commemoration in Arromanches, 6 June 2004
I take it upon myself to express the immense debt of gratitude we owe to you all. I salute you, and thank you on behalf of our whole nation.
Official commemoration of the 60th anniversary of D-Day in France, 6 June 2004
The sixtieth anniversary of the Normandy Landings is a moment for thanksgiving, and a moment of commemoration.
Osborne House, Isle of Wight, centenary of being open to the public, 19 May 2004
The Isle of Wight is well known for its hospitality, and the warmth of your welcome today is greatly appreciated.
State Banquet, Buckingham Palace, President of Poland, 5 May 2004
We both look forward with optimism as partners working closely together for a stronger more effective Europe.
Update on The Queen's progress following her knee operation
State Banquet, President of the United States of America, 19 November 2003
We share the confidence - and the courage - to try and make this a more prosperous, a safer, and above all a freer world.
State Visit by the President of the United States of America
Ottawa, Canada, 13 October 2002
Wherever the future may take us, my admiration and affection for Canada and Canadians everywhere is - and will always remain - clear, strong and sure.
Ceremony for the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada, 10 October 2002
I am happy to be in Hamilton today in order to present new Colours and to visit my Canadian Argylls.
Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver, Canada, 7 October 2002
Je chéris ma place dans la vie du Canada et mon lien avec tous les Canadiens et Canadiennes.
Legislative Assembly in Nunavut, Canada, 4 October 2002
I am proud to be the first member of the Canadian Royal Family to be greeted in Canada's newest territory.
National Space Centre in Leicester, 1 August 2002
Over this Jubilee summer I have travelled widely, but I hope I will be forgiven for having limited my tour to the earth's surface.
Opening ceremony of the 17th Commonwealth Games, Manchester, 25 July 2002
It is my pleasure in this my Golden Jubilee Year to declare the 17th Commonwealth Games open.
Golden Jubilee visit to Liverpool, 25 July 2002
I am glad to be in Merseyside, which must be one of the most distinctive and energetic parts of the United Kingdom.
Opening of the new City Hall building in London, 23 July 2002
Your new building, which is so clearly based on ideas of openness and accessibility, will provide an exciting forum for Londoners as your debates ebb and flow.
Visit to Bury St. Edmund's, Suffolk, 17 July 2002
Ipswich, Norwich, and Cambridge have all become centres of excellence in their different ways.
End of The Queen's UK Golden Jubilee tour, Preston, 5 August 2002
I have been profoundly moved by the affection shown and by the warmth of the response to my Golden Jubilee.
A speech by The Queen on her Golden Jubilee
I hope that these celebrations will remind us of our shared heritage and what it means to be a united people, enjoying the support of families, friends and neighbours around...
Visit to Stormont, Northern Ireland, 14 May 2002
This Assembly can demonstrate that it is possible to build trust, and in doing so continue the building of a new Northern Ireland.
Reply to the Loyal Addresses by both Houses of Parliament, 30 April 2002
I would like to pay tribute to the work you do in this, the Mother of Parliaments.
Newspaper Society lunch, London, 26 March 2002
Your newspapers are an intrinsic part of the communities they serve, they give us a very special insight into what is going on around the country.
Royal Warrant Holders' Association Golden Jubilee lunch, London, 20 March 2002
The Royal Warrant of Appointment is an ancient and honourable institution. It symbolises excellence.
Adelaide Festival Hall, Australia, 27 February 2002
Whatever may lie ahead, I declare again here tonight that my admiration, affection and regard for the people of Australia will remain, as it has been over these past fifty...