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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Sami Quadri

Queen delights with Paddington Bear sketch but rain threatens to dampen Jubilee celebrations on Sunday

The Queen delighted millions of viewers after appearing in a surprise comic sketch with Paddington Bear during the Jubilee celebrations.

Around 22,000 spectators headed to Buckingham Palace for the star-studded Platinum Party concert on Saturday evening.

Set across three linked stages joined by 70 illuminated columns, each representing a year of the Queen’s reign, some of the world’s greatest talents came together for a performance like no other.

The Queen, who did not attend in person, delighted viewers after appearing in a two-and-a-half-minute film sequence alongside Paddington Bear to kick off the show.

The Duke of Cambridge takes to the stage at the Platinum Party (PA) (PA Wire)

Queen and Adam Lambert then performed with a one-off production that rekindled memories of guitarist Brian May playing the national anthem on the palace roof at the Golden Jubilee concert in 2002.

Prince William hailed the Platinum Jubilee concert as full of “optimism and joy” as he praised his grandmother for her “hope” toward the future of the planet.

He paid tribute to her positive outlook during a segment dedicated to the environment.

Speaking on stage to thousands gathered in The Mall, William said: “It’s my firm hope that my grandmother’s words are as true in 70 years’ time as they are tonight that as nations we come together in common cause, because then there is always room for hope.

“Tonight has been full of such optimism and joy – and there is hope. Together, if we harness the very best of humankind, and restore our planet, we will protect it for our children, for our grandchildren and for future generations to come.”

The Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, the Duke of Cambridge, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Prince of Wales , the Princess Royal, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and the Countess of Wessex in the royal box (Niklas Halle’n/PA) (PA Wire)

Alicia Keys, George Ezra, and Sir Rod Stewart also took to the stage in a show packed with an almost endless roll call of stars.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children could be seen singing along to Sir Rod Stewart’s performance of “Sweet Caroline”.

There was also a special recorded performance from Sir Elton John, currently on his final Farewell Tour.

The event pivoted around global themes that have been born or evolved during the Queen’s reign, and seen major input from Britain and the Commonwealth.

These included fashion, sport and the environment, plus a special feature, 70 Years Of Pop Music And Musicals, curated by British composer and impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber.

He and award-winning Lin-Manuel Miranda appeared in the show which included performances by the casts and special guests from such great West End shows as The Phantom Of The Opera, Hamilton, Six, The Lion King and Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber and Lin-Manuel Miranda (Victoria Jones/PA) (PA Wire)

However, revellers may be holding soggy sandwiches on Sunday as forecasters predicted rainfall in the capital.

The Met Office has a yellow warning in place for thunderstorms across much of England and Wales from midnight until 6pm on Sunday evening.

Forecasters said the weather may cause travel disruption, with flooding possible in some areas.

Heavy rain, and potentially even hail, will batter down on day four of Platinum Jubilee events.

Torrential downpours are likely in a few places with parts of the Midlands, East Anglia and southeast England most at risk.

The Met Office said some places could see 15-20mm in an hour, and even up to 50mm.

The thunderstorms will slowly spread into southern parts of northern England on Sunday morning before easing.

Further south, drier conditions are expected to briefly develop on Sunday morning before further showers and thunderstorms develop over some parts of southern England, Wales, the Midlands and East Anglia later.

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