This thesis explores the construction, framing and representation of Britain and British identity in British and Commonwealth national newspaper coverage of the 2012 Diamond Jubilee and London Olympic Games. Specifically, national newspapers from Australia, Canada, England, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales were examined using a qualitative thematic content analysis. From this sample it is argued that when viewed as part of a long-term process, the relationship between Britain's national and imperial histories can be used to explore contemporary media discourses on Britain and British identity.