The queen is the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee.
The U.K. threw a once-in-a-generation celebration for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee.
The 96-year-old queen is the first British monarch in history to reach a Platinum Jubilee, which marks 70 years on the throne.
Elizabeth ascended to the throne on Feb. 6, 1952, following the death of her father, King George VI.
The queen's Platinum Jubilee celebration included everything from Trooping the Color to a National Service of Thanksgiving, a star-studded concert led by Diana Ross, thousands of lunches and street parties across the country and a final appearance by the queen herself.
A specially commissioned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II was released Wednesday in the kick-off to her Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
The portrait was taken in the Victoria Vestibule at Windsor Castle on May 25, according to Buckingham Palace.
In the background of the portrait, by Ranald Mackechnie, viewers can see Windsor Castle’s Round Tower, and a statue of King Charles II, according to the palace.
A festive spirit is in the air in the U.K. as it prepares to celebrate its monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, with a once-in-a-lifetime event.
In London, six portraits of the queen are being projected onto the iconic Marble Arch, a 19th century ceremonial gate originally designed as the state entrance for Buckingham Palace, which now resides at the nearby Hyde Park.
Another landmark, Stonehenge, in Wiltshire, England, is also displaying portraits of the queen, one from each decade of her reign.
Collector’s items are also popular for this historic celebration, from souvenir mugs and medals to stamps, handkerchiefs, socks and even a limited-edition Barbie doll.
The Royal Mint has also released a special coin collection to mark the queen’s 70th anniversary.
Queen Elizabeth had a bumpy flight back to England ahead of the four-day public celebration of her Platinum Jubilee. The queen’s flight from Scotland -- where she had enjoyed a four-day break at her Balmoral estate -- had trouble landing due to lightning.
“The Queen’s flight was delayed due to a lightning storm, all the correct procedures were followed and there were no safety concerns,” a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said in a statement.
The queen was later photographed being driven to Windsor Castle.
Queen Elizabeth is expected to make her first public appearance for the festivities on Thursday, when she joins members of the royal family at Trooping the Colour, her annual birthday parade.
First lady Dr. Jill Biden sent well wishes to Queen Elizabeth ahead of the monarch’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
The message from Dr. Biden aired exclusively Wednesday on “Good Morning America.”
“Your Majesty, Joe and I wish you a wonderful celebration of your Platinum Jubilee,” Biden said. “Congratulations on 70 years of service to the United Kingdom and Commonwealth, and thank you for your enduring friendship with the American people.”
What Queen Elizabeth means to America
Last year at Windsor Castle, Biden and her husband, President Joe Biden, visited Queen Elizabeth, who has met nearly every U.S. president elected during her 70-year reign.
