History
The Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal was created in 2002 to mark the fiftieth anniversary of The Queen's accession. Unlike the Silver Jubilee of 1977, no Australian issue was made: the United Kingdom awarded its version to serving members of the British Armed Forces and emergency services with five years of qualifying service at 6 February 2002 and, continuing the tradition of the 1953 Coronation and the 1977 Silver Jubilee, to every living recipient of the Victoria Cross and the George Cross, which is how a small number of Australians came to hold it.
Because it was awarded after the establishment of the Australian honours system, the current Australian Order of Wearing directs that the Golden Jubilee Medal, together with the Diamond and Platinum Jubilee medals and the King Charles III Coronation Medal, is worn as a foreign award: after all Australian honours and awards, in order of the date on which it was awarded.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The United Kingdom medal is cupro-nickel with a gilt finish. The obverse bears the crowned and robed effigy of Queen Elizabeth II within the inscription ELIZABETH II DEI GRA REGINA FID DEF. The reverse carries the shield of the Royal Arms surmounted by a crown, flanked by the years 1952 and 2002. The medal was issued unnamed.
The ribbon
Royal blue with red edges and a red line between twin white stripes at the centre.
The ribbon is a broad royal blue with red stripes at the edges and, at the centre, a pair of white stripes divided by a single narrow stripe of red.
Eligibility
Australia made no issue of the Golden Jubilee Medal. The eligibility below is that of the United Kingdom award, which is the version most Australian holders received.
- Serving members of the British Armed Forces and emergency services who were in effective service on 6 February 2002 and had completed five years of qualifying service;
- Every living recipient of the Victoria Cross and the George Cross, wherever they lived, continuing the tradition of the Coronation and Silver Jubilee issues;
- The medal was issued unnamed and carries no post-nominal.
Order of wear
Under the current Australian Order of Wearing, the Golden Jubilee Medal is worn as a foreign award: after all Australian honours and awards, in order of the date on which it was awarded. The precise placement should be confirmed against the current Australian Order of Wear.
Frequently asked questions
Did Australia award the Golden Jubilee Medal?
No. Unlike the Silver Jubilee of 1977, no Australian issue was made. Australians who hold the medal generally received the United Kingdom award.
Who was eligible for the United Kingdom medal?
Serving members of the British Armed Forces and emergency services in effective service on 6 February 2002 with five years of qualifying service, and every living recipient of the Victoria Cross and the George Cross.
How should it be worn in Australia?
As a foreign award: after all Australian honours and awards, in order of the date on which it was awarded, per the current Australian Order of Wearing.
Why is it treated differently from the Silver Jubilee Medal?
The Silver Jubilee Medal of 1977 was awarded within Australia and sits among the commemorative medals in the Australian order. The Golden Jubilee and later royal medals were awarded after the Australian honours system was established without an Australian issue, so they are worn as foreign awards.
What about the Diamond and Platinum Jubilee medals and the Coronation Medal?
The same rule applies: the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond and Platinum Jubilee medals and the King Charles III Coronation Medal are all worn as foreign awards in Australia.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.