Our bank holiday weekend of jubilee coverage had something for everyone

The jubilee provided an opportunity for reflection and there were a number of interesting conclusions drawn by Voices contributors, writes Harriet Williamson

The past four days have been particularly action-packed for many of us in the media (Reuters)

Whether you’re a staunch royalist, literally swathed in union jack bunting, or more of a republican, enjoying the extra bank holiday with one eyebrow slightly raised, our coverage of the Queen’s platinum jubilee on Voices provided something for readers of all stripes.

The Independent’s race correspondent, Nadine White, wrote passionately and eloquently about her discomfort at seeing so much uncritical media coverage of the celebrations – and the monarchy itself – fuelled in part by a chronic lack of racial diversity in UK journalism.

She writes: “It is quite possible to celebrate the Queen’s life, as a human being, and empathise with the desires of her family and fans alike to lavish her with praise, without blindly lauding the institution that was only made viable through slavery and the oppression of those deemed racially and socially inferior.”

Artist Jamie Reid, who worked with the Sex Pistols and blessed us with the iconic album covers for “God Save the Queen” and “Never Mind the B*******, Here’s the Sex Pistols”, penned a howl of revolutionary rage. This was one of my favourite pieces over the weekend – as anyone who’s heard me humbugging or knows my love of anarchic punk will be less than surprised to learn.

The jubilee provided an opportunity for reflection and there were a number of interesting conclusions drawn. Tom Peck who, once upon a time, would’ve “abolished them in a flash” finds himself with “a newfound reverence just for keeping things the way they are”, while Ed Dorrell, a “lifelong constitutional conservative” (with a small c), is questioning his previous support for the monarchy. The idea of King Charles does not fill him with joy.

Our managing editor, Richard Best, treated us to an insight into his long-held republican views. “Write an opera and give us a day off to sing it for the millions of unsung heroes, put the royals on PAYE, and I’ll be up a ladder in a heartbeat, hanging the bunting with the best of them and dressing my Jack Russell like a corgi.”

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Elsewhere, we explored the environmental cost of the jubilee celebrations, particularly the proliferation of single-use plastics at street parties, and the jarring nature of lavish displays of opulence while so many in this country cannot afford to feed themselves and their children.

British historian Suzannah Lipscomb tackled the question of what will happen once the reign of Elizabeth II, our “anchor of continuity”, ends.

The past four days have been particularly action-packed for many of us in the media, and today the news cycle will roll on to address ongoing concerns, such as the cost of living crisis and the stability of the prime minister’s position. It’s been a once in a lifetime weekend of coverage, and we’re so glad you’ve joined us on this journey.

Yours,

Harriet Williamson

Voices commissioning editor