Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee 2022: Queen says she is 'deeply touched' by jubilee celebration
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.
Latest updates:
William, Kate bring kids on visit to Cardiff Castle
Prince George and Princess Charlotte on Saturday made their second appearance at Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
George, 8, and Charlotte, 7, joined their parents, Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, at Cardiff Castle, where they met performers and crew who will be taking part in Saturday night’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration Concert at the castle.
George, dressed in a blazer like his dad, and Charlotte, wearing a button-down coat like her mom, were seen waving to the crowds gathered and shaking hands with performers as they toured the concert preparations.
Absent from the visit was George and Charlotte’s younger brother, 4-year-old Louis, who joined them earlier this week at Trooping the Color. Louis made headlines at Trooping the Color for his hilarious facial expressions and his apparently close relationship with the queen.
The pair were seen talking and pointing to things on the balcony of Buckingham Palace as they watched the military flypast.
Royals show rainbow of fashion at Platinum Jubilee
Members of the royal family showed up in an array of colorful outfits on Friday to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II at Friday’s National Service of Thanksgiving for her Platinum Jubilee.
Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, stood out in a yellow coat dress by designer Emilia Wickstead while three of the queen’s granddaughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and Zara Phillips Tindall, shined in shades of blue, orange and pink, respectively.
The queen’s daughter, Princess Anne, also stood out in a sage green dress and matching hat.
The royal women appeared to have taken a page out of Elizabeth's style book: The 96-year-old monarch is known for her brightly colored wardrobe.
Another of the queen’s granddaughters, Lady Louise Windsor, chose a more muted cream look for Friday’s service, which was complemented by the off-white looks worn by Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
Take a look at the royal fashion below.
Queen Elizabeth II will miss 2nd Platinum Jubilee event
Queen Elizabeth II will be absent from a second Platinum Jubilee event after missing Friday’s National Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
The 96-year-old queen, who is marking 70 years on the throne, will not attend the Epsom Derby on Saturday, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
The queen is instead expected to watch the horse race on television at Windsor Castle, according to the palace.
Elizabeth attended Thursday’s Trooping the Color and a beacon lighting ceremony later that night, but decided not to attend Friday’s service after experiencing "some discomfort" during previous events.
The palace has previously said the queen suffers from “episodic mobility problems.”
Look back at royals celebrating Queen Elizabeth II 20 years ago
St. Paul’s Cathedral, where royals and invitees gathered Friday for a National Service of Thanksgiving, is a familiar location for the royal family.
On Friday, they attended a church service at the cathedral for the queen’s Platinum Jubilee, marking her 70 years on the throne.
Though the 96-year-old queen was not able to attend, other members of the royal family were there, including Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall; Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge; and Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
Take a look at these now and then pics from the queen’s Golden Jubilee service in 2002 at St. Paul’s Cathedral -- which marked the 50th anniversary of her reign -- and her service on Friday.
The queen’s Silver and Diamond Jubilees were also celebrated at St. Paul’s Cathedral in 1977 and 2012, and marked her 25th and 60th anniversaries, respectively.
"For her silver jubilee in 1977, the queen rode in the Gold State Coach from Buckingham Palace to the cathedral.
Queen Elizabeth II sends thank you message
Queen Elizabeth II shared a written thank you message on Sunday to mark the end of four days of celebrations for her Platinum Jubilee.
"When it comes to how to mark seventy years as your Queen, there is no guidebook to follow. It really is a first. But I have been humbled and deeply touched that so many people have taken to the streets to celebrate my Platinum Jubilee," Elizabeth wrote. "While I may not have attended every event in person, my heart has been with you all; and I remain committed to serving you to the best of my ability, supported by my family."
"I have been inspired by the kindness, joy and kinship that has been so evident in recent days, and I hope this renewed sense of togetherness will be felt for many years to come," the queen continued. "I thank you most sincerely for your good wishes and for the part you have all played in these happy celebrations."
The queen signed her message with her first name, Elizabeth, followed by the letter R, which stands for Regina, the Latin word for queen.