The Queen delighted Platinum Jubilee revellers by making a much-anticipated Buckingham Palace balcony appearance that set the seal on four days of celebrations. Surrounded by her family, the monarch was cheered by thousands of well-wishers after the Platinum Pageant told the story of her life, and the nation, with an eccentric, fun and imaginative carnival-like display.
Smiling as she acknowledged the spectators, she looked down on The Mall where tens of thousands had waited in hope of seeing the 96-year-old head of state. During the Queen’s appearance a choir of celebrities including Sir David Jason, Harry Redknapp, Sir Cliff Richard, Sandie Shaw and Felicity Kendal took part in a mass rendition of God Save The Queen.
The four-day Bank Holiday celebrations brought neighbours, towns and much of the nation together as they marked the 70-year reign of the country’s longest-serving monarch. The Queen’s balcony appearance, closing the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, lasted less than three minutes. During that time the thousands of people on The Mall sang the National Anthem.
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On the final day of festivities celebrating the Queen’s 70-year reign, a ceremonial military procession launched the Platinum Jubilee Pageant. Guardsmen, Gurkhas, Royal Marines and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in their breastplates and plumed feathers were among the hundreds of servicemen and women who led the way marching along the streets around Buckingham Palace.
The Queen was missing from the royal box earlier but she later made an appearance for the carnival’s finale when her royal standard was raised above Buckingham Palace indicating she was in residence. She later appeared on the balcony.
Thousands had gathered to watch the spectacle mirroring scenes from Saturday night when The Mall was filled with people delighted by Queen’s appearance with Paddington Bear at the Party at the Palace, and entertained by stars like Sir Elton John and Alicia Keys.
The ambitious pageant was split into four acts: For Queen And Country with a military parade; The Time Of Our Lives progressing through seven decades of culture, music and fashion; Let’s Celebrate telling the story of the Queen’s life in 12 chapters with corgi puppets and carnival creations; and the Happy And Glorious musical spectacle.
The Gold State Coach, featuring archive footage of the Queen projected onto the windows, led the parade of military units and it seemed as if the monarch was sat in the carriage.
Among the sights were a peloton of 300 cyclists, riding vintage bikes from across the seven decades of the Queen’s reign, which travelled down The Mall led by Sir Chris Hoy and cycling golden couple Dame Laura and Sir Jason Kenny.
Following her appearance on the first day of the national celebrations, the Queen withdrew from the festivities and the Duchess of Cambridge later revealed she had found it enjoyable but tiring. The head of state looked at ease on the balcony as she leaned on her stick, now a routine aid following her mobility issues, and acknowledged the crowds with a wave.
After the National Anthem was sung the Queen waved again at the well-wishers and was joined by her great-grandchildren, with Louis using both hands. Her appearance lasted less than three minutes and ended soon after the singing had stopped.
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