Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee: Queen thanks public for celebration

The queen is the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee.

Last Updated: June 5, 2022, 12:23 PM EDT

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.

Latest updates:

Here is how the news developed. All times Eastern.
Jun 05, 2022, 12:07 PM EDT

Queen Elizabeth II surprises with Buckingham Palace balcony appearance

Queen Elizabeth II made a surprise appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace Sunday at the conclusion of the four-day celebration of her Platinum Jubilee.

The queen was joined on the balcony by her heirs, Princes Charles, William and George, as well as Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

PHOTO: Queen Elizabeth II is joined by the Royal Family as they appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant outside Buckingham Palace in London, June 5, 2022.
Camilla Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince George, Prince William, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, and Kate Duchess of Cambridge appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant outside Buckingham Palace in London, June 5, 2022.
Jonathan Brady/AP

Elizabeth, dressed in a green coat, green hat and white gloves, stood and watched as thousands of members of the public sang "God Save the Queen."

Before departing the balcony, Elizabeth gave a royal wave.

Jun 05, 2022, 12:00 PM EDT

Ed Sheeran performs in front of Buckingham Palace

Music star Ed Sheeran is center-stage in front of Buckingham Palace for the finale of Queen Elizabeth II’s four-day Platinum Jubilee celebration.

Ed Sheeran performs during the Platinum Pageant in London, June 5, 2022.
Leon Neal/Getty Images

As Sheeran performs his hit song "Perfect," images of the queen from throughout her 70-year reign are projected onto screens.

Elizabeth is back in residence at Buckingham Palace after spending much of her jubilee celebration at Windsor Castle. As the Platinum Jubilee Pageant was taking place outside of the palace, the Royal Standard was raised, signifying the queen’s return.

Jun 05, 2022, 11:41 AM EDT

Queen Elizabeth II returns to Buckingham Palace

Queen Elizabeth II is back at Buckingham Palace Sunday after spending much of the Platinum Jubilee weekend at Windsor Castle.

The 96-year-old queen has made two in-person appearances during the celebrations of her 70-year reign, at Trooping the Color on Thursday and later that night at the lighting of the Platinum Jubilee beacon.

Elizabeth's return Sunday to Buckingham Palace was marked by the raising of the Royal Standard, the flag flown when the queen is in residence.

The Royal Standard flies above Buckingham Palace, meaning Queen Elizabeth II is in the building in London, June 5, 2022.
Aaron Chown/AP

Outside the palace, the Platinum Jubilee pageant is taking place, a cultural celebration involving thousands of performers.

People parade during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant outside Buckingham Palace in London, June 5, 2022.
Frank Augstein/AP

Jun 05, 2022, 11:05 AM EDT

Floats, performances showcase Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign

The party is continuing outside Buckingham Palace as thousands of people take part in the Platinum Jubilee Pageant.

Open-top buses decorated to represent each decade of Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign have passed by the palace, where members of the queen’s family are watching, including Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte and many more of the queen’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

People parade during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant outside Buckingham Palace in London, June 5, 2022.
Frank Augstein/AP

People parade during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant outside Buckingham Palace in London, June 5, 2022.
Frank Augstein/AP

Sunday’s pageant is the grand finale to the queen’s four-day Platinum Jubilee celebrations. It is divided into four acts: “For Queen and Country,” represented by a military parade; “The Time of Our Lives,” celebrating innovation; “Let’s Celebrate,” a festival of music and dance; and “Happy and Glorious,” performances by “national treasures.”

People wave as they take part in a parade during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant, marking the end of the celebrations for the Platinum Jubilee of Britain's Queen Elizabeth, in London, June 5, 2022.
Henry Nicholls/Reuters

The pageant will conclude with a performance by Ed Sheeran.

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