From this Thursday 2 May to this Sunday 5 May, the whole of the United Kingdom is putting on its festive clothes on the occasion of the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II. The Queen of England is celebrating her 70th birthday at the head of the monarchy, a long-time programmed anniversary and to the millimeter.
For four days, the British will celebrate the 70 years of reign of Elizabeth II, her « platinum jubilee ». For the occasion, Thursday 2 and Friday 3 June will be public holidays across the Channel, so that all of His Majesty’s subjects can take part in the celebrations and have fun… Parade, concert, parade, discover the program for the jubilee of the queen.
Thursday, June 2: military parade and illuminations
The unmissable military parade, « Trooping the Colour » for English speakers, will open this Thursday morning the festivities. More than 1400 soldiers, 400 musicians and 200 horses will depart in the morning from Buckingham Palace and will be joined by members of the royal family on horseback or in carriages. Maybe Londoners will spot Harry and Meghan… The latter could accompany the parade, but they will not be present alongside the Queen on the balcony. This traditional ceremony is reserved this year for active members of the royal family. You too can enjoy the parade, TF1 and France 2, upsets the program schedule. From 9:45 a.m. until 1 p.m., the channels will make you live live the jubilee of Elizabeth II through special editions.
Unprecedented in 70 years of reign, Elizabeth II will not lead the review of the troops and will not attend the royal salute. Her state of health would not allow her to carry out this mission to which she had always responded. Rest assured, the Queen will still be clearly visible, she will go to the balcony to greet her subjects and watch the Royal Air Force flypast which will conclude the first morning of the celebration.
Her Majesty’s 70 years of reign will also be an opportunity to illuminate the United Kingdom and even more. In nearly 1,500 locations, large lanterns will be lit across the country to honor the Queen. On this special anniversary date, the capitals of the Commonwealth will also place different beacons. This will be the first participation of allied countries in the ceremony of « beacons ».
Friday, June 3: Mass at Saint Paul’s Cathedral
The whole family will meet at the mass which will give thanks to Elizabeth II. It could well be the only time for a public meeting of the entire royal family. Harry and Meghan will attend with their two children as well as Prince Andrew, away from the crown since the revelation of his involvement in the Epstein affair. Mass will be held on Friday morning at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
At the end of the « Service of Thanksgiving », the name given to this mass, the cathedral and the heart of London will resound with the sound of the largest bell in the country, « Great Paul bell ». The colossal 16.5 tonne bell, made in 1882, has rung only eight times since it was repaired last year.
Saturday June 4: Horse racing and giant concert
Saturday will be marked by the Queen’s visit to the Epsom derby. A great lover of horse riding, Elizabeth II will take her place to attend the 243rd edition of this prestigious horse race.
What will especially mark this day is the giant concert planned at Buckingham Palace. Nearly 22,000 people are invited to join the event, including 5,000 workers who were on the front line during the pandemic. On the bill, the biggest names on the British scene: Queen and Elton John, but also international stars like tenor Andrea Bocelli and Diana Ross. During this show of more than 2h30 to follow on Paris Première from 9 p.m.all will have an evening theme to respect « born or having evolved during the reign of Her Majesty » according to the BBCwhich can concern fashion, music, sport, the environment.