Huge crowds gathered in scorching sun on Thursday in central London to mark the start of four days of public events to mark the historic platinum jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, which could be the last major public event of her long reign.
Early in the morning, a steady stream of people, many Union flags and picnic baskets, headed to The Mall near Buckingham Palace, where the 96-year-old monarch would later appear twice.
But at the same time watching the pomp and spectacle of the Trooping the Color military parade, many felt the coming end of an era.
Ambulance Services worker Gilbert Faulkner, 65, traveled from Scotland to watch the event, which is held to mark the Queen’s official birthday.
“We know this is a special occasion because it may be the last day we will see Her Majesty at a public event,” he said AFP,
“It’s very important,” said Daniel Marma, another viewer. “This is the first time we have a monarch who has been around for so many years.”
appearances
The Queen’s participation in the record-breaking ceremony of her 70 years on the throne has been a source of speculation for months.
Difficulty standing and walking caused him to drastically cut back on his public appearances from last year – and a covid combat,
But royal officials confirmed that she would take the cavalry salute from the balcony.
In this centuries-old ceremony, earlier the queen herself was seen taking the salute on a horse.
Her 73-year-old son and heir Prince Charles will step down this year, supporting her sister Princess Anne, 71, and her eldest son, Prince William, 39.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that Charles’ younger son, Prince Harry, and his wife Meghan, on a rare trip from California, will be among senior royals to witness a display of military precision.
But the Queen’s disgraced second son, 62-year-old Prince Andrew, is not expected to join them.
The palace said she would return to the balcony later to watch a flypast of military aircraft, including iconic models from World War II.
During the night, the Queen will be at Windsor Castle, west of London, to attend a ceremony to light up more than 3,000 beacons across the country and the Commonwealth of 54 nations.
Thank You
Elizabeth was a 25-year-old princess when she replaced her father, King George VI, in 1952, bringing a rare touch of glamor to a battered nation even after World War II.
Seventy years later, she is now the only monarch most Britons have ever known, becoming a permanent figure through often troubled times.
Britain’s first and possibly only Platinum Jubilee will see street parties, pop concerts and parades through Sunday.
It is not yet confirmed whether she will attend a Thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday, while her planned appearance at the horseracing showcase The Derby is closed on Saturday.
She could have yet made one final appearance – again from the balcony of the palace – on Sunday, at the climax of a massive public competition involving 6,000 artists.
The Queen on Wednesday thanked everyone involved in organizing community events in the UK and around the world.
“I know many happy memories will be made on these festive occasions,” she said.
“I continue to be inspired by the goodwill shown, and hope that the days ahead will provide an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved during the past 70 years, as we look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm.”
moratorium
The jubilee, held against the backdrop of rising inflation, which has left many Britons struggling, is being seen as a relief not only for the masses after two years in the grip of Covid, but also for the royals.
Harry, 37, and Meghan, 40, caused a shock wave by moving to North America in early 2020, where they publicly criticized royal life.
In April last year, he lost her husband Prince Philip, 73, and was forced to sit alone at his funeral due to coronavirus restrictions.
Since then, she’s struggled with her health, and Andrews’ fallout as well. Link For convicted sex offenders Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Andrew, who in February Settled A US citizen claiming sexual assault has effectively been stripped of his royal duties.
The succession, and the future of the monarchy at home and in the 14 other Commonwealth countries where the Queen is also the head of state, is increasingly receiving attention.