The Platinum Jubilee celebrations kicked off in style today as Britain came together to salute the Queen’s glorious 70-year reign.
Hundreds of thousands of royal fans took to the streets in honour of the 96-year-old, who beamed with joy in the already brilliant London sunshine.
With Union flag-waving wellwishers lining the Mall, the monarch declared the euphoric scenes “incredible” as she watched in delight from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
Her spirit of unity extended to Prince Harry and Meghan, who flew from their self-imposed US exile to attend the Trooping the Colour earlier in the day.
The occasion, to mark the Queen’s official birthday, returned to London for the first time since before the pandemic.
And those gathered at Horse Guards parade were in for a spectacular reminder of Britain’s ability to put on a royal show oozing pomp and ceremony.
Crowds cheered as carriages took the Duchess of Cambridge and her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis and the Duchess of Cornwall, from Buckingham Palace to the event.
But the Queen, who has missed several high profile events in recent months due to ongoing mobility issues, took centre stage – as she did on the balcony of Buckingham Palace later to watch a fly-past of 70 planes, to mark each of her years on the throne.
A parade of WWII bombers and fighter jets was followed by a Red Arrows display.
The noise was clearly too much for four-year-old Louis, who could been seen covering his ears, with his mouth wide open and eyes tightly shut as the aircraft roared across the skies above.
A royal source said: “You could tell Her Majesty was in her absolute element.
“Anyone watching would no doubt draw great comfort in her looking so happy after all she has done for the country throughout her seven decades on the throne.”
Prince Charles and Camilla joined the Queen on the balcony, along with Prince William, Kate and their children.
Princess Anne, husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, the Earl and Countess of Wessex and their children, Louise and James, were also there. But there was no room for Harry and Meghan, after the monarch declared only working royals would be on the balcony.
Disgraced Prince Andrew, mired in a sex abuse scandal, was also missing.
The Prince of Wales had deputised for the Queen as he led the procession from the Trooping the Colour to the Palace on horseback. He was flanked by William and Princess Anne, as they marched alongside more than 1,500 service personnel and 350 horses.
On the eve of the four-day bank holiday celebrations, the Queen had urged Brits to join in the fun.
She declared on Wednesday: “I know that many happy memories will be created at these festive occasions.” And she was certainly not wrong. World leaders and celebs from around the globe also rushed to celebrate the Queen’s record breaking achievement.
Boris Johnson earlier tweeted: “Congratulations to Her Majesty The Queen on your remarkable Platinum Jubilee. The whole country, Commonwealth and world thank you for your unwavering duty and service.
“Vivat Regina Elizabetha. God Save The Queen.”
