Queen Elizabeth beamed with joy as she stood on the iconic Buckingham Palace balcony to kick off a weekend dedicated to her remarkable 70 years on the throne
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth has officially lit the Platinum Jubilee Beacon to mark a truly remarkable 70 years on the throne.
The lighting of the beacon
The beacon lighting follows a day of pomp and ceremony, with the Queen putting on a brave face after suffering from mobility issues.
Queen Elizabeth has confirmed she will not be attending the upcoming Jubilee service at St Paul’s Cathedral, pulling out last minute after suffering discomfort.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace says the decision was made ‘with great reluctance’ after considering both the journey to the cathedral and the activity required.
The Palace says the onset of discomfort followed Thursday’s Birthday Parade event, with Prince Charles representing his mother at the ceremony instead.
But the monarch had vowed to light the beacon, and that is exactly what she did.
Taking great care as she walked out onto the grass of Windsor Castle, she is seen using a cane for support.
This particular event is an important tradition for special royal occasions, including jubilees, weddings, and coronations.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth has previously had a beacon lighting for her Silver, Gold and Diamond Jubilees, and her 90th birthday in 2016.
Trooping of the Colour
The four days of celebrations began with Trooping of the Colour, with Her Majesty smiling at thousands of her adoring supporters and fans.
The Queen could hardly wipe the smile from her face, receiving rapturous applause from the crowd below.
The 96-year-old was joined on the balcony with her fellow senior royals including Prince Charles, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their children.
It was the Prince Louis show, with the young royal unimpressed by the noisy air display.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry, his wife Meghan Markle, and embattled royal Prince Andrew were noticeably missing from the occasion.
Elizabeth had previously made a decision to reserve the balcony for working royals only.
1,200 officers and soldiers, mounted troops from the 1st Battalion and Irish Guards were accompanied by 400 musicians and 240 horses for the spectacle.
And as the sun shone across London and the sky turned red, white, and blue – there was just one person on everyone’s mind, with revelers from Commonwealth countries right around the globe paying tribute to their remarkable Queen.
