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.
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Kate evokes Princess Diana in Platinum Jubilee look
The Duchess of Cambridge looks like she took a page out of the style book of her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.
Kate chose a white suit and wide-brimmed black and white hat for her look at Trooping the Color.
More than three decades ago, in 1991, Diana also wore a white suit and wide-brimmed black and white hat to a ceremony celebrating the safe return of U.K. soldiers from the Gulf War.
Where are Prince Harry and Meghan?
Prince Harry is sixth in line to the British throne but is not playing an active role in this year’s Trooping the Color.
Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, stepped down from their roles as senior, working royals in 2020.
This year, Queen Elizabeth II, Harry’s grandmother, decided that only royal family members “currently undertaking official public duties” on her behalf would join her at the traditional appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping the Color.
Harry and Meghan, who now live in California, are watching the proceedings with other members of the royal family from the Major General’s Office, an office in Buckingham Palace that overlooks the parade ground, according to their spokesperson.
Princes Charles, William ride on horseback
Prince Charles and his son, Prince William, the heirs to the throne, rode in the Queen’s Birthday Parade on horseback, following tradition.
Prince Charles’s sister, Princess Anne, was also spotted on horseback while other members of the royal family rode in carriages.
The public will get their first sight of Queen Elizabeth when she appears on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
Pomp and pageantry on display at Trooping the Color
British tradition is on full display as the Queen’s Birthday Parade makes its way to Buckingham Palace.
The parade includes 1,400 soldiers and 10 military bands marching and playing in unison.
Queen Elizabeth II plays a ceremonial role as the head of the U.K.’s Armed Forces. Each member of the British military swears an oath of allegiance to Her Majesty.
Trooping the Color is the military’s opportunity to impress its commander in chief with all its precision, pomp and pageantry.
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.