Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations begin

Official Platinum Jubilee celebrations began on Thursday with Trooping the Colour, an annual military parade that has marked the sovereign’s official birthday since 1760.

The Queen took to the balcony of Buckingham Palace just after 12:20 p.m. (9:20 p.m. AEST), resplendent in blue and using a cane.

Her Majesty, who first emerged alongside Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, was to be joined by working members of the Royal Family before 70 planes roared.

The Jubilee is commemorated with a four-day holiday weekend in the UK.

Throughout the weekend, neighborhood organizations and individuals are expected to hold thousands of street parties across the country, repeating a tradition that began with the Queen’s coronation in 1953.

The 96-year-old Queen is Britain’s longest-serving monarch and the first to reach seven decades on the throne.

The jubilee gives many people – even those who are often indifferent to the monarchy – the opportunity to reflect on the state of the nation and the enormous changes that have taken place during its reign.

Former Prime Minister John Major – one of 14 prime ministers during the Queen’s reign – said the monarch’s stoic presence had helped lead the country over the decades.

“The Queen has represented us better for over 70 years,” he told the BBC.

In a written jubilee message, the Queen thanked those in Britain and across the Commonwealth involved in organizing the celebrations.

“I know many happy memories will be created on these festive occasions,” Elizabeth said.

“I continue to be inspired by the goodwill that has been shown to me and hope that the next few days will be an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved over the past 70 years as we look to the future. future with confidence and enthusiasm.”

Congratulations arrived from world leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron called Elizabeth “a golden thread that binds our two countries” and “very few constants” on the international scene.

“You are our friend, such a close ally, our example of service to others,” Macron told the Queen in a video message in English.

The name of the long weekend’s first event, Trooping the Colour, refers to a regimental flag, or “colour”, which is flown in the ranks.

Britain’s annual tradition for the Queen’s birthday is a ceremonial re-enactment of how battle flags were once shown to soldiers to ensure they would recognize a crucial rallying point if they became disoriented in combat.

The troops taking part come from the domestic division of the army, made up of the seven regiments that perform ceremonial duties for the Queen. Their members are fully trained soldiers and often deployed overseas when not on ceremonial duty.

Each year, a different unit has the honor of displaying its color. The 1st Battalion, Irish Guards will be honored at the Platinum Jubilee.

Thousands of people, some of whom camped out overnight, lined the parade route, many sporting Union Jack flags, party hats or plastic tiaras.

Carly Martin, who took a late night bus from south London with her daughter, said she came “to make memories”.

“You will never see this again in your lifetime,” she said.

“At least not in mine, maybe not in my daughter’s… 70 years old – that’s all I’ve ever known.”

The Queen is set to appear twice on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, but Prince Charles will play a key role at the event, taking the salute of passing soldiers on behalf of his mother.

Elizabeth has been having trouble getting around lately, and her courtiers have been careful to make things as easy as possible for her.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will join other members of the Royal Family to watch the show. The couple traveled from their home in California to join in the celebrations.