As the unmistakable chug of a Lancaster bomber drew closer, the Queen ’s face lit up as she gazed overhead in wonder.
In that moment of unbridled joy, one couldn’t help thinking if she was reflecting on the day, after sneaking out of Buckingham Palace in disguise with her sister Margaret, she partied as a teenager with jubilant crowds on VE Day.
The scenes witnessed in central London today were perhaps reminiscent of a time when Britain truly did have something to celebrate.
There wouldn’t have been many among the hundreds of thousands gathered outside Her Majesty’s home who would, unlike our monarch, actually experience such a time.
But many delighted in the opportunity to party, to be hopeful and to spend time with loved ones, friends new and old, after living the two years of a global pandemic.
As she revelled in the moment, perhaps Her Majesty gave way to a fleeting thought that this could be a final swansong at such a magical event, given the undoubted gruelling schedule this Platinum Jubilee celebration will surely be.
If it is to be the last, what a fitting tribute to a woman who has given so much.
