As part of the celebrations for the 70th year of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession, beacons were lit in the capital city of Rwanda, Kigali, at Imbuga City Walk on Thursday June 2.

The beacons were lit at 9.15p.m local time of each capital city across the UK and the Commonwealth as a unique tribute to The Queen that night on her platinum jubilee celebration. 

For the first time, the beacons were lit in each of the capital cities of the 54 member states of the Commonwealth group of nations.

According to Kigali city mayor Pudence Rubingisa, the city joined other capitals in celebration as a symbol of recognition of the contribution and efforts of Her Majesty to improve the welfare of citizens in the Commonwealth countries.  

"We are so pleased to be part of the celebration of this Platinum Jubilee, while we are close to hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in a few days to come,” he said.

Rwanda joined the Commonwealth in 2009, becoming the second member state to be admitted into this organisation without any direct colonial ties to Britain, after Mozambique. 54 member states make up the Commonwealth.

The UK has a long tradition of lighting beacons to mark Royal Jubilees, weddings and coronations.

Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne in 1952.

Hundreds of years ago, beacon chains were used as communication and navigation tools, but have since become a symbol of togetherness at key moments of national significance.

The beacons were lit  as a unique tribute to The Queen that night on her platinum jubilee celebration.

The beacons were lit at 9.15p.m local time of each capital city across the UK and the Commonwealth as a unique tribute to The Queen that night on her platinum jubilee celebration.

The UK has a long tradition of lighting beacons to mark Royal Jubilees, weddings and coronations.