LONDON — Queen Elizabeth thanked all those involved in her Platinum Jubilee celebrations ahead of four days of pomp, parties, parades and public holidays to herald her record-breaking 70 years on the British throne.
Millions of people across Britain and the world are expected to join the festivities starting on Thursday (June 2) in honour of the 96-year-old, who has reigned for longer than any of her predecessors, the government said.
“Thank you to everyone who has been involved in convening communities, families, neighbours and friends to mark my Platinum Jubilee, in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth,” Elizabeth said in a statement.
“I continue to be inspired by the goodwill shown to me, and hope that the coming days will provide an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved during the last 70 years, as we look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm.”
However, in a sign of the monarch’s advancing years and recent “episodic mobility” issues which have led her to cancel some engagements, Elizabeth’s personal involvement in the events might be somewhat limited.
The celebrations begin with the Trooping the Colour military parade in central London, and for the first time Elizabeth will take the salute from the 1,500 soldiers and officers from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
Other senior royals, including son and heir Prince Charles, 73, and his eldest son Prince William, 39, will carry out other ceremonial duties on her behalf, although much attention will be focused on those who will not be present.<img alt="" data-caption="Britain's Queen Elizabeth meets staff of the Crossrail project and Elizabeth Line as they mark the completion of London's Crossrail project at Paddington station in London, Britain, on May 17, 2022.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”07b74a88-674d-4530-9628-f0fa769c8f0d” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/02062022_queen%20elizabeth_reuters%20%281%29.jpg”/>Second son Prince Andrew, 62, who settled a US lawsuit in February in which he was accused of sexually abusing a woman when she was underage, is not expected to attend.
Her grandson Prince Harry, now living in Los Angeles with his American wife Meghan, will also be absent when the royal family gathers on the palace balcony to watch a fly-past by modern and historic Royal Air Force planes after the parade.
There will also be gun salutes in London, across Britain and from Royal Navy ships at sea at midday, while in the evening beacons will be lit across the country and the Commonwealth, with the queen leading the lighting of the Principal Platinum Jubilee Beacon at her Windsor Castle home.
Still popular
Thursday marks not only the start of the Jubilee, but also the 69th anniversary of the coronation of Elizabeth, who became queen on the death of her father George VI in February 1952.
Polls show she remains hugely popular and respected among her subjects, with one survey this week showing eight in 10 people held a positive view of her, and another found three-quarters thought she had done a good job as queen.
Friday will see a thanksgiving service at London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral, while on Saturday royal family members will attend the Epsom Derby horse race.<img alt="" data-caption="A Royal fan reads a newspaper as she camps near Buckingham Palace ahead of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations, in London, Britain, on June 1, 2022.
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Buckingham Palace Turns into a Stage for a Royal Rock‑in’ Fest
Later this week, the historic Mall is set to become a concert hotspot, featuring the legendary rock band Queen, soul‑infused American R&B star Alicia Keys, and the icon of disco‑pop, Diana Ross. Imagine the whole of London’s centerpiece lit up with music, flags, and a little bit of that “once we had a king” vibe.
Street Parties Galore
According to the official word‑on‑the‑street, over 16,000 street parties will be thrown across Britain on Sunday. Think of it as a nation-wide garage sale but with party hats instead of knick‑knacks.
Global Lunch Bonanza
The government also announced a massive “Big Jubilee Lunch” initiative, with roughly 600 events scheduled in giggles in 80 countries – from the windswept coast of Greenland to the beach‑side breezes of New Zealand. It’s essentially a world‑wide gastronomic toast!
Highlights of the Day
- Featured lineup: Queen, Alicia Keys, Diana Ross.
- More than 16,000 street parties nationwide.
- 600 “Big Jubilee Lunches” across 80 countries.
- Concluding pageant – a grand parade that takes the whole capital by storm.
From the Crowd: A Voice That Resonates
“The queen is what defines Great Britain!” exclaimed Mary‑Jane Willows, 69, from Cornwall, who set up camp on the Mall. As she looked up from the lamplighter’s stand, surrounded by Union flags fluttering in the breeze, she added, “Without the queen, Britain would just be Britain, but she really makes it great. She stands for everything that I’m proud of.”
So, whether you’re dancing on the street, sipping tea in a giant lunch outside your hometown, or simply watching the parade, one thing’s crystal: this Jubilee is going to be unforgettable, with music, people, and a splash of royal splendor.
<img alt="" data-caption="Royal fans dressed in Union Jack flag clothing camps out on the mall near the Buckingham Palace ahead of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations, in London, Britain, on June 1, 2022.
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Not Everyone’s Joining the Royal Party
While the whole country is ostensibly geared up for Queen Elizabeth’s big celebration, not everyone is all‑in. The anti‑monarchy outfit Republic – spotlighting the slogan “Make Elizabeth the last” on billboards all over Britain – argues that a recent poll shows the majority of Britons are simply not into the jubilee.
Meet Donna Werner – America’s “Number One Royal Fan”
- Age: 70 (and still spry)
- From: Connecticut
- First trip to the UK: 1986
- Current activity: Camping on the Mall, soaking in the royal vibe
Despite the anti‑royal shout‑outs, Donna says the queen remains a wonderful role model. “She’s just a role model,” she tells us, “and I’ve been coming to Britain for the biggest royal events ever. She’s a fantastic leader and I just wanted to celebrate her 70 years as queen.”
So, whether you’re a Royal skeptic or a country‑wide fan, there’s plenty of drama, festivity and a dash of laughter waiting for the world’s most enduring monarch.
