It’s an event 70 years in the making:Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee.
From June 2 to June 5, the 96-year-old Queen will be feted with parades, a concert at the palace and other celebrations to honor her historic reign.Queen Elizabeth, who became monarch in 1952, has surpassed Queen Victoria to claim the title of the U.K.’s longest-reigning monarch and the first U.K. monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee — and that deserves a toast!
Here’s everything to expect this week as the royal family and the Commonwealth comes together to honor Her Majesty.
Thursday, June 2: Trooping the Colour
Queen Elizabeth.Joe Giddens/WPA Pool/Getty
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The family members who will appear on the palace balcony during Trooping the Colour will be the Queen, Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William,Kate Middleton, Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex. The Queen’s cousins, the Duke of Kent, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and Princess Alexandra will also be in attendance.
William and Kate’s children,Prince George,Princess Charlotteand Prince Louis, are expected to be there along with Edward and Sophie’s kids, Lady Louise and James, Viscount Severn. Princess Anne’s husband Sir Tim Laurence may also appear as he’s a frequent supporter of his wife during her public duties.
Thursday, June 2:Platinum Jubilee Beacons
The U.K. has a long tradition of lighting beacons to mark royal jubilees, weddings and coronations — and that will continue forQueen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee on Thursday night.
The Principal beacon, involving70 ft. tall Tree of Trees, will be lit in a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace at 9 p.m. In addition, more than 3,000 beacons will be set ablaze across the U.K. and the Commonwealth as a tribute to the monarch, at sites including the Tower of London, Windsor Great Park, Hillsborough Castle and the Queen’s estates of Sandringham and Balmoral.
Tree of Trees.Alamy Stock Photo
Friday, June 3: Service of Thanksgiving
Many members of the royal family will gather for a Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
While the Trooping the Colour balcony appearance was limited to working royals, extended members of the family are expected to attend Friday’s ceremony, including Meghan andPrince Harry. Prince Andrew is also set to join.
Some of the Queen’s older great-grandchildren, includingPrince GeorgeandPrincess Charlotte, may also attend the Friday ceremony, although Meghan and Harry’s two children — Archie Harrison, 3, and Lilibet Diana, who will turn 1 on June 4 — are believed to be too young for the outing.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.Chris Jackson/Getty
On top of the Jubilee events, Saturday also marks Meghan andPrince Harry’s daughter Lili’s first birthday!
Queen Elizabeth II.Chris Jackson/Getty
Saturday, June 4:Platinum Party at the Palace
Diana Ross, Queen + Adam Lambert, Alicia Keys and Duran Duran are just some of the musicians set to perform at the BBC’s"Platinum Party At The Palace" concert from Buckingham Palace.
The three-stage setup will also see performances from Hans Zimmer, Ella Eyre, Craig David, Mabel, Elbow, George Ezra, Andrea Bocelli, Mimi Webb, Sam Ryder, Jax Jones, Celeste, Nile Rodgers, Sigala and Diversity.
Queen Elizabeth.Paul Grover - Pool / Getty
Sunday, June 5: The Big Jubilee Lunch
Prince Charlesand Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall will attend a Big Jubilee Lunch at The Oval in London on Sunday.Similar eventswill take place around the U.K.
“Whether it’s sharing a cuppa with a neighbour on the doorstep or a bigger bash in the street, join millions of people across the UK to share friendship, food and fun with The Big Jubilee Lunch,” according to the event’swebsite. “It’s the party that’s right up your street, and everyone’s invited, so let’s take to our streets, gardens and neighbourhoods to have fun and get to know one another a little better.”
Sunday, June 5:The Platinum Jubilee Pageant
The long weekend will wrap with the Platinum Jubilee Pageant, a procession through the streets of London that will showcase iconic moments from the Queen’s reign as well as highlight how society has changed over the past 70 years.
Around 10,000 people are involved in the pageant, including 2,750 military personnel, more than 6,000 volunteers, performers, key workers and 2,500 members of the general public.
Queen Elizabeth.Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images
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In addition to the events in London, senior members of the royal family will alsoembark on visits to other areas of the U.K.over the weekend.Prince Williamand Kate will head to Wales, where they lived for a few years when they were first married more than a decade ago, whilePrincess Annewill travel to Scotland andPrince Edwardand Sophie, The Countess of Wessex, will go to Northern Ireland.
“Over the course of the Central Weekend, Members of the Royal Family will visit the Nations of the United Kingdom to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. Members of the Royal Family will attend engagements in each nation, including public events marking the occasion,” the palace announced in a statement.
source: people.com
