Platinum Jubilee celebrations continue without the queen
June 4, 2022
Queen Elizabeth's son and grandson addressed fans at a concert marking her 70th year on the throne. But Britain's longest-reigning monarch missed the "Party at the Palace."
Massive crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 70 years on the throneImage: Hannah McKay/Pool Photo via AP/picture alliance
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Queen Elizabeth II was unable to attend the giant pop concert marking her 70 years on the English throne but she electrified the crowd, nonetheless, appearing in a two-and-a-half-minute film alongside Paddington Bear to kick off the celebration.
"While the Queen may not be attending the concert in person, she was very keen that people understood how much it meant to her and that all those watching had a great time," said a Buckingham Palace spokesperson.
Two national icons: The queen surprised all by appearing in a short film with Paddington Bear to kick off the partyImage: Victoria Jones/PA via AP/picture alliance
The film opened the concert at Britain's Buckingham Palace Saturday evening, part of nationwide celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II's 70 years reign.
The "Party at the Palace" was the main Platinum Jubilee event and came on the third day of celebrations.
Some 22,000 people were estimated to be in attendance at the concert outside the palace.
Prince Charles and Prince William, the queen's son and grandson and next in line for the throne, both spoke at the event to pay tribute to the record-breaking queen.
William, speaking of the future and the environment, said he, like his grandmother, is "an optimist." Charles spoke of his "Mummy" and her service to the nation before urging the crowd to give her a big cheer.
Several musicians performed, including rockers Queen + Adam Lambert, composer Hans Zimmer and Italian singer Andrea Bocelli.
Alicia Keys, Craig David and Eurovision 2022 runner-up Sam Ryder were also on the lineup and performed for the roaring crowd.
Tens of thousands turned out to honor the monarch and millions more followed events live on televisionImage: Dominic Lipinski/PA via AP/picture alliance
A recorded tribute by Elton John was beamed onto the side of the palace as was a message from actress Judi Dench and celebrity soccer player David Beckham, who thanked the queen for her service.
A number of other special guests, including film star Julie Andrews, also offered warm words for the 96-year-old monarch.
The gala event was wrapped up with a performance by Diana Ross.
Queen absent from Jubilee events Friday and Saturday
On the first day of celebrations, Thursday, Queen Elizabeth made two appearances. She waved at crowds from the Buckingham Palace balcony and attended a beacon-lighting ceremony in Windsor.
The queen did not attend Saturday's Epsom Derby — only the fourth time she has missed the prestigious horse race since 1952.
She is also not expected to attend Saturday's two-and-a-half-hour party in person.
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Celebrations stretch to Sunday
Last Thursday and Friday were public holidays in Britain to mark the event, with longer pub opening hours and street parties.
On Sunday, millions of people are expected to share food at "Big Jubilee Lunch" picnics.
The celebrations will close with Ed Sheeran singing his 2017 hit "Perfect" at a pageant in central London.
js,fb/rt (AFP, AP, Reuters)
Queen Elizabeth turns 96
The 96th birthday of Britain's longest-serving monarch is being marked with gun salutes in London. Throughout her 70 years on the throne, the queen has been known for her penchant for bright-colored suits and hats.
Image: Avalon/Photoshot/picture alliance
Posing with ponies at Windsor Castle
Gun salutes, a Barbie doll dressed in an ivory gown with a blue sash, and a new photo of the monarch at Windsor Castle all mark the queen's 96th birthday. She planned to spend the day privately at Wood Farm cottage on Sandringham estate, in eastern England. It is a personal sanctuary for the queen, who has stepped back from most public duties this year over concerns about her health.
Image: henrydallalphotography.com/Royal Windsor Horse Show via AP/picture alliance
Always color-coordinated
The English monarch's outfits are legendary. A coat with a weighted hem — to prevent wind-related wardrobe malfunctions — topped off with a perfectly matched hat. Her go-to accessory is often her signature black bag, that is roomy enough for lipstick, reading glasses, mints and a handkerchief.
The secret of her hats
She wears them in all shapes and colors, sometimes playful with small flowers, sometimes austere or simple, but always exactly matched to her outfit. The queen is rarely seen without headgear. How many hat boxes she has in her closet is perhaps one of the world's best-kept secrets.
Image: Jonathan Brady/dpa/picture alliance
Princess in uniform
Not afraid to get her hands dirty: During World War II, Elizabeth Windsor was part of the Auxiliary Territorial Service, the women's division of the British Army. There she was trained as a mechanic and learned to drive a truck. This picture was taken in April 1945. Note the headgear.
Image: PA Wire/empics/picture alliance
Wedding gown from ration coupons
In 1947, Elizabeth married her childhood sweetheart, Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark. Due to post-WWII austerity measures, she had to use clothing ration coupons to procure the materials for her wedding gown: satin, 10,000 pearls and crystals and a four-meter-long train of lace. Their marriage lasted 73 years until Prince Philip's death in 2021.
Image: imago images
Five-meter long coronation robe
On February 6, 1952, Princess Elizabeth ascended the throne, becoming Queen Elizabeth II. At the coronation ceremony the following year, she wore a dress of white silk, colorfully embroidered with the emblems of some of the Commonwealth states. Attached to this was her Robe of State, consisting of an ermine cape with an almost 5-meter crimson velvet train carried by six maids of honor.
Image: United Archives/TopFoto/picture alliance
'The visit of the century'
So was the queen's visit in May 1965 to West Germany dubbed. No foreign state guest was more welcome at that time than the queen. The last state visit from the UK had taken place 56 years prior. Germans had inflicted great suffering on the British in two wars. For 11 days, Elizabeth II traveled through Germany and delighted the Germans with her sartorial choices.
Image: Kurt Rohwedder/dpa/picture alliance
Green and white on the pitch
Mirroring the colors of the football pitch, the queen is seen here shaking hands with members of the German national team before the 1996 European Championship final at Wembley Stadium. She and Prince Philip (pictured right) were among the 76,000 spectators who witnessed Germany defeat the Czech Republic with a golden goal during extra time.
Image: Bernd Weissbrod/dpa/picture alliance
On official business
When the queen addresses the British Parliament at the start of a new term, tradition dictates she wear her official clothes. She delivers her speech from the throne in full regalia, outlining the new government's plans. Her late husband Prince Philip, who died in 2021, sat alongside her.
Image: Utz/dpa/picture alliance
Wearing a brooch from her honeymoon
In 2021 Queen Elizabeth delivered her first Christmas address as a widow. Prince Philip had died in April, just before his 100th birthday and her 95th. She expressed understanding about how difficult Christmas can be when one loses a loved one. Still, Christmas will bring joy this year, she said, "as we have the chance to reminisce."
Image: Victoria Jones/REUTERS
Platinum Jubilee parties!
On February 6, 2022, the queen marked a record 70 years on the throne. Celebrations are scheduled throughout the year, with the highlights on June 2-5. Events include hundreds of beacons lit throughout the UK and UK Overseas Territories, a special live concert from Buckingham Palace and a derby at Epsom Downs.
