From time to time, Services of Thanksgiving are held to commemorate special events and occasions.

Such services may be held to celebrate an event of national importance or which relates to an organisation linked to the Royal Family.

Services may also be held to mark personal milestones such as a wedding anniversary or to commemorate the life of a prominent person.

Services of Thanksgiving are usually held in notable churches, cathedrals and abbeys in London and around the UK.

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh attended a National Service of Thanksgiving in St. Paul’s Cathedral to celebrate Her Majesty's Golden Jubilee in 2002.

In 2008 a Service of Thanksgiving was held in St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle to mark the 660th anniversary of the Founding of the Order of the Garter and the College of St. George and the 60th anniversary of the reintroduction of the annual Garter Service by King George VI.

In 1999 The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh visited University College, Oxford and attended a Service of Thanksgiving in University Church of St. Mary the Virgin to mark the College’s 750th anniversary. Her Majesty is Visitor of University College and His Royal Highness is an Honorary Fellow.

Services of Thanksgiving were held in Westminster Abbey for The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver, Golden and Diamond wedding anniversaries.

Occasionally, The Queen and members of the Royal Family attend Services of Thanksgiving in memory of an individual.

In 2006 The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh attended a Service of Thanksgiving in London’s Southwark Cathedral to celebrate the life of Sachem Mahomet Weyonomon, an 18th century Head Chief of the Native American Mohegan tribe.

If Her Majesty or a member of the Royal Family is unable to attend a memorial service in person, a representative will attend in their place.