Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations

Thank you for joining us as celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee got underway in London. Our live coverage has now ended but head here to read our full story on the first day’s festivities.

French President Emmanuel Macron has gifted Queen Elizabeth II a horse for her Platinum Jubilee.

Fabuleu de Maucour, a 7-year-old grey gelding, was gifted with a ceremonial saddle and a cavalry sabre.

In a statement, the French Embassy said the “shapeliness and elegance of the horse, a seven year-old standard-bearer for the Garde Républicaine, epitomizes French horse-breeding.”

Fabuleu de Maucour was part of Macron’s escort on the Champs-Elysées during the VE Day commemorations last month.

The horse was accepted on behalf of the Queen by Lord Rupert de Mauley, the Master of the Horse, inside Windsor Castle on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, Macron sent the Queen a video message to congratulate her.

The Queen’s birthday parade may have wrapped up but the first day of Platinum Jubilee celebrations is not over just yet.

Tonight, more than 3,000 beacons will be set alight across the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and in Overseas Territories. Beacons will also be lit in the capital cities of Commonwealth countries.

The lighting of beacons is a long running royal tradition used to mark jubilees, weddings and coronations.

The Queen will lead the lighting of the principal Platinum Jubilee beacon – a towering sculpture called the “Tree of Trees” erected outside Buckingham Palace – on Thursday evening remotely from Windsor Castle. Prince William will represent the monarch in central London.

Designed by British “starchitect” Thomas Heatherwick, the 69-foot tall “Tree of Trees” comprises hundreds of indigenous British species ranging from hazel to field maple trees – each planted in aluminum pots decorated with the Queen’s cypher.

“Placing the ‘Tree of Trees’ at the heart of the beacon lighting reflects the Royal Family’s long history of championing environmental causes and will pay a fitting tribute to Her Majesty’s 70 years of service to the nation,” Buckingham Palace said in a press release.

At the Windsor ceremony, the Queen will first be presented with the “Commonwealth Globe of Nations,” a globe set with platinum, diamond, gold and silver elements and featuring stones collected from the United Kingdom’s highest mountains.

After she symbolically touches the globe, it will light up and trigger the illumination of Windsor Castle’s famed Round Tower and Quadrangle lawn, and then the “Tree of Trees” more than 20 miles away.

Back in London, once the beacon is lit, William will hear the London Community Gospel Choir and Gregory Porter sing the official Beacons song “A Life Lived with Grace.”

The sculpture has been divisive on social media since its unveiling last week. One user wrote that the design was “absolutely beautiful,” while another likened it to resembling a “cell phone tower.”

Read more on this story:

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: A team of workers add the final parts to the Queen's Green Canopy ahead of the Platinum Jubilee on May 24, 2022 in London, England. The sculpture, which will stand outside Buckingham Palace for the duration of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June, was created by British designer Thomas Heatherwick's studio, Heatherwick Studio. It consists of 350 native British trees planted in aluminium pots, which will be donated to community groups after the Jubilee celebrations. (Photo by Dominic Lipinski/WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Related article 'Massively over-engineered:' A tree sculpture for the Queen's Jubilee celebrations gets mixed reviews

Queen Elizabeth II is the longest serving British monarch in history.

As she celebrates 70 years on the throne, here’s a look back at her reign.

Video Ad Feedback

7956386c-2463-4919-b700-b6b7fc69135d.mp4

04:00 - Source: CNN

Britain's Prince Andrew, Duke of York, attends the ceremonial funeral procession of Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh to St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London, on April 17, 2021.

Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, will not join family members for a Platinum Jubilee thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on Friday after testing positive for coronavirus, a source has told CNN.

“After undertaking a routine test The Duke has tested positive for Covid and with regret will no longer be attending tomorrow’s service,” the royal source said. 

He has seen his mother in the last few days but has been undertaking regular testing and has not seen her since he tested positive, the source added.

Prince Andrew was stripped of royal duties and his HRH title in January in the wake of his civil sexual assault lawsuit in the US. He has since settled that suit out of court, but his lengthy association with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein has severely tarnished his reputation and his involvement in the weekend had posed awkward questions for organizers.

Britain's Prince Andrew rides a horse on the Royal Estate, in Windsor, Britain, on June 1.

Any royal fan knows the importance of dressing for the occasion, and those who gathered along The Mall certainly didn’t disappoint on Thursday.

Whether it’s getting creative with the Union Jack or being inspired by the Queen’s troops, CNN met some of those who brought their royal fashion A-game.

Grace Gothard, from Surrey, southern England, said she made her own dress for the celebrations.

Grace Gothard, pictured near The Mall, central London, on June 2, made her own floor-length Union Jack dress.

“I came for the Queen because she hasn’t been seen much recently,” the 60-year-old said.

Moira Smith, 81, from the Lake District, Cumbria, and Sally Conway, 57, who lives in London, said they also attended celebrations for the Golden and Diamond Jubilees, as well as royal weddings.

The pair, kitted out in several Union Jack flags, said they enjoy making friends with new people who are enjoying the celebrations. Conway added that it’s her birthday today – even more reason to celebrate.

Moira Smith and Sally Conway photographed near The Mall in full Union Jack attire on June 2.

Meanwhile, 6-year-old Edward Lyon was dressed like a member of the Queen’s troops, the Household Division.

He and his mother, Lucy Lyon, 33, traveled from Lincolnshire, in the East Midlands, for their first royal celebration.

“I’ve had lots of fun. My favorite part was seeing the soldiers,” Edward, who wants to be a soldier when he grows up, said.

Edward Lyon with his mother Lucy Lyon along The Mall, London, on June 2.

She’s been photographed, painted and graffitied. She’s been struck on coins, cast in iron, silk-screened onto T-shirts and fired onto plates. There’s even a Barbie doll in her likeness.

At 96 years old, the longest-serving monarch in Britain’s history celebrates seven decades on the throne this year.

Queen Elizabeth II’s reign has seen the proliferation of color photography, the commercialization of television and the pervasiveness of the internet on screens big and small.

Over this time, her image has been widely circulated the world over, making the Queen one of the most recognizable faces in history.

As the UK celebrates a four-day holiday weekend for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, CNN explores some of the official and unofficial, classic and controversial images that turned Elizabeth II into the cultural icon she is today.

Read more here:

Thousands of flag-waving fans descended on London as the four-day festivities marking the Queen’s 70th anniversary on the British throne started Thursday.

Royal-watchers flooded The Mall in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the royals as they made their way to Horse Guards Parade for the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony.

Those unable to nab a spot along the procession route gathered at several central London locations to watch the action on big screens.

Crowds gathered in front of the Houses of Parliament in Parliament Square in London on June 2.

Guards begin to take position on The Mall.

Members of the Honourable Artillery Company perform a gun salute at the Tower of London.

Britain's Prince George of Cambridge, left, Britain's Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, second from right, and Britain's Prince Louis of Cambridge, second from left, watch from a window of Buckingham Palace as the troops march past during the Trooping the Colour.

A general view looking down The Mall is seen during the Trooping the Colour parade.

Police officers carry Union Jack flags near Buckingham Palace.

Britain's Prince Charles, center, in his role as Colonel of the Welsh Guards, Britain's Prince William, left, in his role as Colonel of the Irish Guards, and Britain's Princess Anne, right, in her role as Colonel of the Blues and Royals, ride their horses along The Mall during the Trooping the Colour.

People attend celebrations of Britain's Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee along The Mall.

See more photos here.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, along with Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in London on June 2.

Not everyone was enjoying the big occasion, as the latest pictures from the palace balcony show.

The overbearing noise of the 70 aircraft passing over Buckingham Palace proved too much for the young prince, who covered his ears and appeared to be letting out a scream.

The youngest child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who is 4 years old, was also seen looking fed up and pulling faces during the six-minute flypast staged by the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Nevertheless, his great-grandmother, mother, grandfather and sister do not appear to be remotely bothered by Prince Louis’ refusal to maintain protocol, as they smile and chat to each other.

Watch the moment here:

Video Ad Feedback

808ba895-f64a-43e6-8c2f-9d5b9439b5e0.mp4

01:33 - Source: CNN

French President Emmanuel Macron has recorded a video message in English for the Queen, who he described as a “constant presence” and a “source of wisdom.”

With the French and European Union flags in the background, Macron extended his “most sincere” congratulations on behalf of France to the British monarch on her Platinum Jubilee.

In a statement posted on social media Thursday, Macron said the Queen is “our friend, our close ally, our example of service to others.”

“To celebrate you today is to celebrate the sincere and deep friendship that unites our two countries and your dedication to serving it,” he said in the statement which was accompanied by French subtitles. 

The Queen, he said, is the “golden thread” that has bound the UK and France during her 70-year reign, during which his country “has relied on very few constants” on an international level. 

He continued: “Your first toast to one of my predecessors, René Coty, reminded us that ‘trust and understanding should endure forever.’ Your words were matched by a lifetime of devotion to our alliance.”

“This year, the seventieth of your reign, we celebrate your achievements. We are grateful for your courage and we share the respect and love that the British people and Commonwealth have always shown you,” he added.

Spectators watch the RAF flypast on The Mall after the Trooping the Colour parade on June 2 in London.

The royal family gathered on the balcony at Buckingham Palace to watch the 70-aircraft flypast soar above central London.

Crowds of flag-waving royal-watchers gathered below as the Queen, wearing sunglasses, watched on flanked by her family. To her right stood her eldest son Prince Charles, together with his wife the Duchess of Cornwall. Meanwhile, on her left were the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their three children, Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte.

Also present are the Queen’s children Edward and Anne, as well as a number of other relatives. The Sussexes, who were at the ceremony at Horse Guards Parade earlier but not seen, are not joining the royals on the balcony as the Queen decided last month that only royals carrying out official duties will be included.

Seventy aircraft, including the iconic Red Arrows and historic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, put on the spectacular air show over London to mark the occasion.

Among the aircraft taking to the skies were Spitfires, Chinooks, Pumas and Apaches, some of which flew in formation marking out the number 70.

Aircrafts perform a flypast over Buckingham Palace on June 2.

Members of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery during an 82 gun salute to mark the start of the Platinum Jubilee in Hyde Park, London, on June 2.

The King’s Troop Horse Artillery has fired an 82 gun-salute in Hyde Park moments before the Royal Family appeared on the balcony at Buckingham Palace.

Members of the royal family turns their eyes to the skies for the finale flypast at the end of the Trooping the Colour ceremony in London on June 2.

The Queen has emerged onto the Buckingham Palace balcony once more. This time she’s joined by more family members for an appearance in front of thousands of roaring well-wishers who have been allowed to stream down The Mall towards the palace.

Alongside the Queen are three of her children, Charles, Edward and Anne, Prince William and Catherine and their children, as well as a number of other relatives.

The Sussexes, who were at the ceremony at Horse Guards Parade earlier but not seen, are not joining the royals on the balcony as the Queen decided last month that only royals carrying out official duties will be included.

Watch here:

Video Ad Feedback

539ddab1-3369-42c0-87ed-38c05a66a071.mp4

03:48 - Source: CNN

Australia will host a series of celebrations this week to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

More than 80 iconic landmarks and buildings across the country will be illuminated in royal purple, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Government House.

Canberra will hold an official event to light up the Australian Platinum Jubilee Beacon on the shore of the Australian capital’s Lake Burley Griffin. 

Over in Sydney, a seven-minute light show will be displayed on Thursday night to recognize the seven decades of the Queen’s reign.

“The Vivid Sydney ‘7 Minutes for 7 Decades’ includes synchronized lighting of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Luna Park, buildings around Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour Ferries in royal purple,” tourism minister Stuart Ayres said in a statement.

Aircraft from the Australian Air Force’s No.100 Squadron and Central Flying School will also conduct a flypast and aerial display over Aspen Island in Canberra.

Australia retains the British monarch as its head of state, though the monarchy has very little actual power in Australia – Queen Elizabeth’s role is almost entirely symbolic.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks in January 2021.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday that the Queen’s “unprecedented 70 years of service to the United Kingdom are an inspiration to Americans.”

Blinken called the jubilee a “historic and joyous occasion,” and sent his “heartfelt wishes for peace, prosperity, and good health to Her Majesty and all the people across the United Kingdom.”

Former US President Barack Obama has recorded a heartfelt video message in which he said the Queen reminded him of his grandmother.

Wearing a suit and tie, Obama recalled his personal memories of meeting the Queen. The clip, broadcast on the BBC, lasts for one minute and 39 seconds.

He said: “When you are President of the United States you meet a lot of remarkable people and you try, under all circumstances, to maintain your composure. But that’s harder than you think when you are visiting Her Majesty.

“Before I took office Michelle and I hadn’t been to too many palaces so we weren’t sure what to expect on our first trip to Buckingham. But we shouldn’t have been worried. 

“Certainly I can say that getting to know her was one of the great privileges of my years in office and I learned so much from seeing the example she set for all of us who had the privilege to serve.

“Your Majesty, it would be an understatement to say the world has changed a bit in the seven decades since you first came to power but your character never has. 

“Your steadfast stewardship of one of our most important democracies has made the world safer and more prosperous through war and peace, times of adversity and times of prosperity. 

“Your life has been a gift, not just to the United Kingdom, but to the world and it is with gratitude for your leadership and the kindness that you’ve shown me and my family that I say may the light of your crown continue to reign supreme.”

Queen Elizabeth II watches from the Buckingham Palace balcony as the Trooping the Colour draws to a close in London on June 2.

The Queen has appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to receive a salute as soldiers and officers return from Horse Guards Parade following the conclusion of the Trooping the Colour ceremony.

Dressed in an Angela Kelly ensemble and matching hat, she is watching the troops march past with a walking stick in hand. She is accompanied by her cousin, the Duke of Kent.

The monarch has opted to wear a dusky dove blue Charmelaine wool dress embellished with pearl and diamante trim around the neckline and cascading down the front of the coat. It’s the same outfit she was photographed in for a new official portrait released by Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.

She is also wearing the Guards’ Badge.

The Duke of Kent is Colonel of The Scots Guards and is wearing a Scots Guards Tunic and Forage Cap with Garter Sash, adorned with numerous medals and decorations.

Watch the moment here:

Video Ad Feedback

4f1ee77c-1fe6-4447-a73b-670c674ea248.mp4

09:51 - Source: CNN

Members of the Household Division Foot Guards' bands march back along The Mall towards Buckingham Palace in London on June 2.

The ceremony at Horse Guards Parade is now drawing to a close as Prince Charles takes the final salute on behalf of his mother, the Queen. The troops will now return to Buckingham Palace.

Several senior royals are now making their way back up The Mall in carriages, waving to the crowds on this gloriously sunny day here in London.

It has taken “months of training and centuries of tradition” to pull off the “major military spectacle,” according to the UK Ministry of Defence.

In a tweet posted during the Trooping the Colour ceremony, the government department posted a series of photos and revealed that the event has involved 1,500 soldiers and officers, 400 musicians, 250 horses and 70 aircraft.

Queen Elizabeth II is seen during a visit to The Royal Australian Air Force Memorial on March 31, 2021, near Egham, England.

Queen Elizabeth II continues to turn heads and make headlines, with her bright, bold wardrobe. And royal-watchers are hopeful her striking style will help them catch a glimpse of her on Thursday.

Hannah Kirby, 42, from Brisbane, Australia, told CNN: “I’m originally from here, but live in Australia now.

“I haven’t seen my family since the pandemic and the jubilee coincided with my visit so I thought, ‘why not?’

According to her daughter-in-law Sophie, Countess of Wessex, Britain’s long-serving monarch’s penchant for colorful outfits is a sign of respect for well-wishers who take the time out to see her in person. 

Angela Kelly – the Queen’s sartorial adviser for almost three decades and a close confidante – has often been credited for helping to develop her signature style. 

Read more on the strategy behind the Queen’s look here:

The Queen during a visit to the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory near Salisbury, UK.

Related article Decoding the Queen's colorful style

The Royal Standard flag is pictured flying from the Roof of Buckingham Palace in London on June 2.

While the military spectacle that is the Trooping the Colour ceremony continues over at Horse Guards Parade, things are happening down the road at Buckingham Palace too.

The Royal Standard flag has been raised over the palace indicating the Queen is now in residence. We are expecting her to appear on the balcony later to take a salute when the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and the Guards return. She’ll be accompanied by her cousin, the Duke of Kent.

And then of course there will be the moment everyone is waiting for: The appearance of the royal family on the balcony during the RAF flypast.

Tributes have flooded in to congratulate the Queen on celebrating 70 years on the throne.

Former Beatle Paul McCartney posted a picture of himself with the Queen on Twitter, together with a message of gratitude.

The musician described the monarch’s reign as “70 beautiful years,” signing off with just his first name – Paul.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson issued a statement against a purple Platinum Jubilee background, which included the message: “With every concert and every street party, may we all rejoice in celebrating the love, devotion and leadership that has made her well and truly Elizabeth the Great.”

Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer tweeted: “The Queen has shared our greatest moments and suffered with us in our darkest days. This weekend, we celebrate Her Majesty.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, tweeted: “As we celebrate the #PlatinumJubilee, we pray and give thanks for Her Majesty The Queen. May she know the depth of our gratitude for her service. May she know our love for her. May she continue to reign with grace and wisdom.”

In the capital, London Mayor Sadiq Khan wrote: “The Queen has shown incredible dedication, grace and steadfastness during 70 years of extraordinary public service. Long may she reign.”

Prince Charles, center, salutes during the Trooping the Colour parade at Horseguards alongside Prince William and Princess Anne on June 2 in London.

Prince Charles, representing the Queen, has taken the salute.

The Colour of the Irish Guards has now been trooped at Horse Guards Parade, during which military bands played in formation and undertook a tricky manoeuvre called “the spinwheel.”

The sun is shining and the crowds have come out in force in a picture tweeted by the official account for Buckingham Palace.

The picture, taken from the rooftop, offers an alternative view of the huge celebrations taking place along The Mall to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Later today the Queen and senior members of the Royal Family are expected to take to the palace balcony to greet the crowds and watch a flypast performed by the Royal Air Force (RAF).

A number of arrests have been made after people attempted to enter the ceremonial route on The Mall in central London as the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration began Thursday, London’s Metropolitan Police said in a tweet.

“The arrests were public order related for highway obstruction. Thank you to the crowd who showed their support by clapping our officers,” the Met added.

From left, Prince Charles, in his role as Colonel of the Welsh Guards, Prince William in his role as Colonel of the Irish Guards and Princess Anne in her role as Colonel of the Blues ride their horses along The Mall during the Trooping the Color ceremony at Horse Guards Parade in London on June 2.

Prince Charles is closely followed by his sister the Princess Royal and his son the Duke of Cambridge as he inspects the troops at Horse Guards Parade.

The heir to the throne is representing his mother, the Queen, in the ceremonial role which she has traditionally undertaken.

Other royals, among them the Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte, have been spotted watching the proceedings from the Major General’s Office nearby.

As Colonel of the Welsh Guards, the Prince of Wales is wearing the Guard of Honour Order – a scarlet tunic and bearskin with green thistle sash. 

The Duke of Cambridge, Colonel of The Irish Guards, is wearing the uniform of Colonel, Irish Guards, Guard of Honour Order – tunic, bearskin and sword with garter collar and green thistle sash. 

The Princess Royal, Colonel of The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons), wearing full ceremonial uniform with a green thistle sash, and a bi-corn hat with a red plume. 

From left, Prince George, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, leave Buckingham Palace for the Trooping the Color ceremony at Horse Guards Parade in London on June 2.

Crowds of well wishers are erupting with cheers as they get their first glimpse of several senior royals as the military parade makes its way down The Mall. Prince Charles is taking part in the royal procession by riding a horse, as is his son, Prince William and his sister, Princess Anne.

Members of the royal family are making their way to the parade ground in three carriages.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge are riding in the first carriage with all three of the Cambridge children.

Britain's Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince Louis ride in a carriage during the Trooping the Colour parade in London on June 2.

The Queen’s youngest son, Edward has been joined by his wife, Sophie and their two children, Lady Louise Mountbatten Windsor and James, Viscount Severn in the second carriage.

Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and Anne’s husband, Tim Laurence, are bringing up the rear.

Portraits of Queen Elizabeth are displayed in front of the British Ambassador's Residence to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee in Paris, on June 1.

The Queen’s historic reign is going to be commemorated in countries around the world, with Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spearheading a host of international events.

On Saturday, the Red Arrows will stage a flypast at Le Touquet-Paris-Plage on the northern coast at the English Channel, while the British Embassy in Paris is exhibiting a collection of portraits measuring almost 10 feet tall of the Queen at the Ambassador’s residence, including a 1953 Cecil Beaton Coronation portrait and a David Bailey portrait from 2014.

British Embassy staff in Switzerland have been working with famous light artist Gerry Hofsetter to project a Platinum Jubilee display onto four Bernese Alps mountains, including the 13,015 feet high Eiger.

The beacons in the Commonwealth countries and United Kingdom Overseas Territories will be lit at 9.15 p.m. local time. Pitcairn Island, the smallest British overseas territory with just 35 inhabitants in the Pacific, will stage a jubilee dinner tonight and will be the final place to light a beacon, being nine hours behind the UK.

Fe engines in Valparaíso and Santiago in Chile will be branded with the Platinum Jubilee emblem, while the British Embassy in Santiago will host its first ever street party to mark the occasion.

FCDO staff based in the US will host a series of celebratory events in Washington, New York, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, Boston, Miami, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Minneapolis.

British ambassadors and high commissioners around the world have nominated 70 of their favorite recipes to a special Platinum Jubilee cookbook, including many dishes served to the Queen on overseas visits. 

Prince William and wife Catherine are getting into the jubilee spirit. They’ve shared a quick note on their official Twitter account this morning:

Royal fans sing the national anthem as they gather along the Mall leading to Buckingham Palace in London, Thursday June 2.

The Platinum Jubilee celebrations are drawing thousands of people to central London. The trooping ceremony is due to start in the next hour and a sea of red, white and blue has flooded The Mall leading up to Buckingham Palace.

Everywhere you look, joyous royal-watchers are eagerly waiting for the moment the royal procession makes its way towards Horse Guards Parade.

Children are sitting on their parents’ shoulders, trying to get the best view, and people are singing “happy birthday” to entertain themselves.

CNN has been speaking to some of those who set their alarms early this bank holiday Thursday to catch a glimpse of the Windsor clan and be a part of this milestone event.

Alex Hall, who lives in London, said: “We all really love the Queen. She has spent so much of her life in service to us. It will be great to celebrate this with her.”

Karen Nubley, 54, from Nottingham, central England, said: “It’s such a special occasion. We’re really excited to be here to celebrate the Queen and everyone else.

“I’m looking forward to all of it – Trooping the Colour. I’m really hoping to get to the balcony because who doesn’t want to see that?” 

Pope Francis during a weekly general audience at Saint Peter's square on May 25.

Pope Francis has offered his prayers and good wishes to the Queen in a telegram to mark her Platinum Jubilee. 

Pope Francis is donating a Cedar of Lebanon to the Queen’s Green Canopy, a tree planting initiative created to mark the Platinum Jubilee, the Vatican News reported.

Queen Elizabeth has met four Popes as Queen, five in her lifetime. She and her late husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, met with Pope Francis in the Vatican in 2014.

British monarchs have doubled up on birthday festivities since the 18th century, holding an “official” event each year for a public celebration – and tending to celebrate more privately on the actual date they were born.

The annual Trooping the Colour ceremony has marked the British Sovereign’s official birthday for more than 260 years with a great display of military precision, horsemanship and fanfare. Regardless of when the monarch’s actual birthday is, the large-scale event usually takes place on a Saturday in June.

The London military parade was officially and permanently re-purposed as a birthday celebration after George III became King in 1760. It had previously existed as a standalone event. Edward VII, who succeeded Queen Victoria and ruled the United Kingdom through the first decade of the 20th century, is believed to have been the first monarch to receive the annual salute in person.

The Queen is usually greeted by a royal salute and carries out an inspection of the troops in their famous bearskin hats. She has been at every ceremony throughout her reign, except the two years of the pandemic and in 1955 when it was canceled because of the general strike.

A keen rider, the Queen used to attend the event on horseback herself until the 1980s – but these days, she arrives in a carriage.

After performances by a military band and a march by the foot guards, the Queen returns to the palace. There, she is joined by other royals on the balcony to watch a flypast of the Royal Air Force, and soldiers fire a 41-gun salute in nearby Green Park.

As is the custom, members of the public are expected to line the route along The Mall, as well as in St James Park. This year big screens have been set up at several locations, but for those who prefer the home comforts, the ceremony will also be broadcast on BBC. 

Stella McCartney attends the Stella McCartney "Get Back" Capsule Collection and documentary release of Peter Jackson's "Get Back" at The Jim Henson Company in Los Angeles, California on November 18, 2021.

Stars of screen, style and literature are among those to have been recognized in the Queen’s Jubilee Birthday Honours list.

Actor Damian Lewis, star of hit show “Homeland,” has been made a CBE for services to drama and charity for initiating the campaign to raise £1 million ($1.25 million) to provide food for NHS workers throughout the pandemic. The 51-year-old actor launched the campaign together with his late wife, Helen McCrory, best known for her roles in the “Harry Potter” films and “Peaky Blinders,” who died last year.

Among those to have been recognized was fashion designer Stella McCartney, whose clothes have often been worn by the Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. 

This list also awards Companions of Honour to author Salman Rushdie for his services to literature and Quentin Blake – whose pictures were incorporated in many Roald Dahl books – for services to illustration. There are only 65 Companions of Honour at any given time.

Crowds have gathered along The Mall, central London, for the start of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, with some camping out all night and others traveling thousands of miles for the special occasion.

WATCH:

Video Ad Feedback

04eddf71-07b9-4343-8499-cb5d2571aa63.mp4

01:17 - Source: CNN

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the Invictus Games in The Hague, Netherlands, in April.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will attend the Queen’s birthday parade on Thursday, a spokesperson for the couple have told CNN.

Harry and Meghan, who have flown back with their two children from their home in California for the 70th anniversary of the monarch’s accession to the throne, will meet members of the royal family to watch the event together at Horse Guards Parade.

The royal procession will start at Buckingham Palace and move down The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, joined by members of the royal family on horseback and in carriages.

More than 1,200 officers from the Queen’s personal troops, the Household Division, and hundreds of Army musicians will come together for the parade. The “colour” – or regimental flag – will be trooped by the 1st Battalion, Irish Guards.

Prince Charles will take the salute at Horse Guards Parade on the Queen’s behalf, alongside Prince William and Princess Anne.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, the Earl and Countess of Wessex and their children, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence (Princess Anne’s husband) are expected to travel to Horse Guards Parade in carriages, where they will join other members of the royal family including the Sussexes to watch the parade from the Major General’s Office which overlooks the parade ground. 

Once the procession has returned up The Mall, the Queen will take a salute from the Buckingham Palace balcony.

She will return to the balcony to watch the event’s conclusion – a flypast by the Royal Air Force over the palace. For that appearance, the Queen has decided that only royals carrying out official duties will join her.

People walk along the Mall in London on June 1.

Buckingham Palace is pulling out all the stops to celebrate the Queen’s incredible reign. Here’s a rundown of the rest of the long weekend:

Friday, June 3

A thanksgiving service paying tribute to the Queen’s seven decades of service will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral, central London, with family members in attendance.

Saturday, June 4

Several royal family members are expected to head to Epsom Downs racecourse, in Surrey, southern England, in the afternoon for the 243rd edition of its famous horse race, the Derby. The Queen – a keen horse breeder – has been a regular spectator at the event and has even presented the famous trophy.

In the evening, a two-and-a-half hour “Platinum Party At The Palace” concert will see a star-studded line up perform in front of Buckingham Palace and around the famous Queen Victoria Memorial. Queen + Adam Lambert, Alicia Keys and Diana Ross are among the artists set to appear at the show, which will be broadcast live by the BBC.

Sunday, June 5

To cap off the celebrations people are being encouraged to organize street parties as part of the “Big Jubilee Lunch” initiative on Sunday. Community gatherings are set to take place across Britain, including flagship events in London and at Cornwall’s Eden Project. “Big Jubilee Lunches” have also been planned around the world.

The weekend’s finale is the Platinum Jubilee Pageant, in which artistic performers, dancers, musicians, military personnel, key workers and volunteers will unite to bring iconic moments from the Queen’s reign to life.

Although the Queen is not due to travel in it, the pageant will be led by the Gold State Carriage. Starting at 2:30 p.m. (9:30 a.m. ET), the pageant will involve a “River of Hope” section that will comprise 200 silk flags parading down The Mall like a river and a who’s who of Britain’s most famous faces.

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth has released a message through Buckingham Palace as commemorations for the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne get underway.

The 96-year-old monarch also released a specially commissioned Platinum Jubilee portrait to mark the start of the festivities. Taken by Ranald Mackechnie, the photograph shows the Queen sitting in the Victoria Vestibule at Windsor Castle last Wednesday. In the background, the castle’s Round Tower and a statue of King Charles II, which stands in the famous quadrangle, can be seen.

She is wearing one of her signature Angela Kelly ensembles in a light blue, and it is embellished with pearl and diamante trim around the neckline and cascading down the front of the coat.

It’s the third portrait Mackechnie has taken of the sovereign. A first portrait, published in 2016, celebrated Her Majesty’s 90th birthday, and a second published in 2020 marked the beginning of the new decade.

Soldiers on parade during The Colonel's Review at Horse Guards Parade on May 28 in London. The Colonel's Review is the final evaluation of the Trooping the Colour parade before the event which will take place on Thursday, June 2, in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee.

Britain’s four-day celebration of this unprecedented historic event kicks off on Thursday at 10 a.m. BST (5 a.m. ET) with the Queen’s birthday parade, known as Trooping the Colour. The annual ceremony is returning to central London after a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In an impressive display of military pageantry, more than 1,200 officers from the Queen’s personal troops, the Household Division, will be joined by several hundred Army musicians and 240 horses.

The “colour” – or regimental flag – will be trooped by the 1st Battalion, Irish Guards. The procession will start at Buckingham Palace and move down The Mall to Horse Guard’s Parade, joined by members of the royal family on horseback and in carriages.

Upon returning from the parade ground, the Queen and members of the royal family will make their customary balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace. The event will close with a fly-past over the palace.

Later, 1,500 beacons will be set alight across the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and in UK Overseas Territories. The principal beacon will be lit in a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace. The lighting of beacons is a long running royal tradition used to mark jubilees, weddings and coronations. Beacons will also be lit in the capital cities of Commonwealth countries.

Huge crowds converged on central London for the start of four days of public events to mark Queen Elizabeth II's historic Platinum Jubilee on June 2.

Hang up your bunting, put the kettle on and grab your party hats – the Platinum Jubilee celebrations for the Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II start today.

No other monarch in British history has achieved 70 years of service.

The Queen, then aged 25, acceded to the throne on February 6, 1952 on the death of her father, King George VI.

She became the longest-reigning British monarch in 2015, beating the time spent on the throne by her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria, who ruled for 63 years, seven months.

To celebrate the unprecedented anniversary, a number of events have taken place around the UK this year. It all culminates in a four-day national bank holiday weekend from Thursday, June 2 until Sunday, June 5, known as the Platinum Jubilee Weekend.

The weekend will feature a variety of public events and community activities, as well as “national moments of reflection” on the Queen’s seven decades as sovereign, according to the palace. The Queen’s private estates – including Sandringham House and Balmoral Castle – are also joining in with jubilee themed events.

The upcoming celebrations will be the Queen’s first jubilee without her husband, Prince Philip, who died last year.