Jubilee - live: Platinum Party at the Palace begins with surprise sketch of the Queen and Paddington
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their two eldest children arrive at Cardiff Castle
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The Platinum Party of the Palace has begun with a surprise pre-recorded sketch featuring the Queen and Paddington bear.
Kicking off the performances is Queen + Adam Lambert with a rousing renditon of “We Will Rock You” - with the Queen joining in via teacup.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will miss the BBC’s Platinum Party at the Palace concert on Saturday evening, as they celebrate their daughter Lilibet’s first birthday “privately” in Windsor.
Other royal family members are attendance of the star-studded performance include the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The Earl and Countess of Wessex and their children, Lady Louise Windsor and Viscount Severn, the Princess Royal, and others will also be there.
Amongst this weekend’s celebrations, the Queen did not attend the Epsom Derby today after also missing the platinum jubilee thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that her Majesty watched the major sporting event on television at Windsor Castle, after experiencing “discomfort” following a busy first day of festivities on Thursday.
Queen receives standing ovation at Platinum Jubilee show as the nation salutes her 70 years of service
What’s on the schedule for the platinum jubilee today?
Queen Elizabeth II: What does it mean to be both a human and a national symbol?
What time does the Platinum Jubilee concert start and how can I watch it? 
The longer the Queen lives, the higher the stakes rise on one key question
Johnson praises Queen
No monarch has ever served their country as well as the Queen, the Prime Minister has said ahead of her platinum jubilee.
Boris Johnson hailed her leadership, wisdom and lifelong service at home and abroad as the world prepares to celebrate her 70-year reign.
In a personal message, he said: “This week the good people of the United Kingdom will pay tribute to Her Majesty the Queen, honouring her exemplary service, celebrating both the institution of the Crown and the exceptional individual who wears it.”
You can read Johnson’s full message here:
Johnson praises Queen saying ‘no monarch has served the country so well’
In a personal message ahead of the Platinum Jubilee, the Prime Minister praised the monarch’s leadership, wisdom and lifelong service.
How to make the ‘Platinum Pudding'
In preperation for the Queen’s platinum jubilee next weekend, it’s probably time you started thinking about buying in the ingredients to make the official “Platinum Pudding”.
Jemma Melvin’s lemon trifle creation took the crown during the BBC special earlier this month, and you can find the full recipe for the moreish trifle here:
How to make the lemon trifle crowned Platinum Pudding for the Queen’s Jubilee
Baking for queen and country
In 2018 the Queen sat front row at London Fashion Week
As part of the Royal Family Twitter account countdown to the platinum jubilee, today they have shared a photo of the Queen from 2018.
It sees Her Majesty seated next to Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour during the Richard Quinn show, where the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for Design was awarded to Quinn.
Queen to ‘miss Epsom Derby’ on platinum jubilee weekend
The Queen is no longer planning to attend the Epsom Derby during her platinum jubilee weekend.
The 96-year-old monarch is said to want to pace herself during her milestone celebrations, with her daughter the Princess Royal representing her at the racecourse instead, The Sunday Times reported.
However, Buckingham Palace declined to comment, saying Her Majesty’s attendance (or lack thereof) won’t be confirmed until the day-of.
Read the full story here:
Queen to ‘miss Epsom Derby’ on platinum jubilee weekend
The monarch, 96, has episodic mobility problems and is gearing up to mark her milestone reign
What events will the Queen attend on the platinum jubilee weekend?
With the Queen thought to be missing the Epsom Derby next weekend, which events will she be attending?
Joanna Whitehead has the run-down here:
What events will the Queen attend on the platinum jubilee weekend?
Episodic mobility issues have blighted the Queen since the autumn
Ed Sheeran to pay tribute to Prince Philip during jubilee pageant
Ed Sheeran is to perform his love song “Perfect” at the Jubilee Pageant in a special moving tribute to the Queen and her late husband, the Duke of Edinburgh.
At the finale of the carnival procession through the streets of London on Sunday, ahead of the National Anthem, the star will sing the hit romantic ballad as footage featuring images of the Queen and Philip fills the giant screens around the stage.
Find out more information here:
Ed Sheeran to pay tribute to Prince Philip during jubilee pageant
The star will appear in the finale of the Jubilee Pageant next Sunday
That’s a wrap of our royal coverage today, check back in tomorrow as we begin our countdown to the Queen’s platinum jubilee.
Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s rolling coverage of the Queen and the wider royal family in the lead-up to next weekend’s platinum jubilee.
Coronation maid of honour gown and pageboy outfit go on display in Co Fermanagh
Two original outfits worn at the Queen’s coronation in 1953 have been rediscovered from storage.
The gown worn by a maid of honour, Lady Moyra Campbell, and an ensemble worn by Lord Erne are set to go on display at Enniskillen Castle in Northern Ireland.
The outfits are being provided by Lady Campbell and Lord Erne’s families, who have carefully preserved the garments.
Read the full story here:
Coronation maid of honour gown and pageboy outfit go on display in Co Fermanagh
The garments were rediscovered from careful storage by the families of Lady Moyra Campbell and Lord Erne in time for the Diamond Jubilee.
Royal family to share friendship, food and fun at jubilee lunches
Members of the royal family are to share friendship, food and fun at special lunches to celebrate the Queen’s 70-year reign.
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will meet guests at a feast at The Oval cricket ground in south London, while the Earl and Countess of Wessex will join members of the local community in Windsor.
Find out more below:
Royal family to share friendship, food and fun at jubilee lunches
More than 85,000 people have signed up to host Big Jubilee Lunches, the official community celebration for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
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