The sixtieth anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne falls on 6 February 2012, and this summer sees a wide variety of events to mark Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee. The main public celebrations take place on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th of June. It has been announced that the Heralds or officers of arms will be participating in two of these events.

The Diamond Jubilee River Pageant will take place on the Thames on the afternoon of Sunday 3 June. Together with the Scottish and Canadian officers of arms, the heralds will be part of the Royal section of the procession, travelling aboard the Motor Vessel Connaught. For details of the Diamond Jubilee Pageant visit the Pageant website.

On Tuesday 5 June, a service of thanksgiving will be held at St Paul's Cathedral in London, near the College of Arms. The heralds will be in attendance at this event. For general information regarding the public events that will mark the Jubilee, see the special dedicated Jubilee website as well as the websites of the Royal Household and the public service.

In addition, one of the Herald Painters at the College of Arms, Timothy Noad, has had the honour of being chosen to design the medal that will be awarded in commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee. The medal, illustrated above, will be awarded to eligible personnel of the armed forces, emergency services, prison service and Royal Household. For further information about the design and award of the medal, see here and here.