Britain celebrates Queen’s platinum jubilee

Hundreds of thousands are gathered on Thursday, June 2 in the surroundings of Buckingham Palace, from whose balcony Elizabeth II inaugurated the celebrations of the “platinum jubilee”, of her 70 years of reign.

“I hope that the coming days will be an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved over the last seventy years, as we look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm,” the 96-year-old queen said in a message released ahead of the festivities after several scandals in the royal family and the aggravation of her health.

Some 1,500 royal guard soldiers, with their musical bands and  500 horses opened four days of celebrations with the traditional “Trooping the Colour”   organized annually for 250 years to commemorate the official birthday of the monarch. The military parade has its origins in preparations for war, army flags were displayed for soldiers to recognize in the heat of battle.

Canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, this year coincides with the start of the “platinum jubilee.” Until recently, Elizabeth  II greeted the troops on horseback but this year, given her growing mobility problems, she was replaced by  Prince Charles, 73, who is gradually assuming functions in a progressive transition

The Queen made a second appearance on the balcony, flanked by leading members of the royal family – including William and Catherine’s three young children. to greet the crowd.

Andrew, Harry and Meghan
Avoiding controversy and tension in an event that seeks to improve the image of the monarchy, Prince Andrew, 62, the queen’s third son away from public life due to accusations of sexual assault against a minor in the United States, did not appear on the balcony nor did Prince Harry, 37, and his wife, former American actress Meghan Markle, who are in London for the important date. The couple caused an earthquake in the monarchy when in 2020 they decided to distance themselves and go to live in California, from where they have criticized the royal family.

At sunset, more than 3,000 light signals will be turned on throughout the United Kingdom, including Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle,  amid trumpet fanfares.

Celebrations will continue into Sunday with another parade, a thanksgiving service, horse races, a pop concert and tens of thousands of picnics and street parties