1977: The silver jubilee

The success of the celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II's 25 years on the throne was not a foregone conclusion. 

The country was in an economic crisis and bailed out by the International Monetary Fund. There was a sentiment of political instability and discontent. The exposure of the affair between Princess Margaret and Roddy Llewellyn, a landscape gardener and baronet, caused ribald headlines, and the Labour government was reluctant to spend money on a celebration.

Huge crowds greeted her enthusiastically. "I am simply amazed: I had no idea," the Queen was overheard saying repeatedly.