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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Your support makes all the difference.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.
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Royals arrive in series of carriages
The royals have been arriving in a series of carriages to watch the parade.
In the first carriage was the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
In the second was the Earl of Wessex, the Countess of Wessex, the Lady Louise Mountbatten Windsor and the Viscount Severn.
The Duke of Gloucester, the Duchess of Gloucester and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence were in the third.
Riding horses were the Prince of Wales on George, the Duke of Cambridge on Derby and the Princess Royal on Sir John.
Police pictured escorting protesters away
Macron pays tribute to Queen in jubilee message
In a video message to mark the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, French President Emmanuel Macron, addressing the Queen, said: “Madame: During the past 70 years, the President of the French Republic has relied on very few constants at the international level.
“Times have changed, Europe has evolved, our continent is again experiencing war. Through these transformations, your devotion to our alliance and to our friendship has remained, and has helped build the trust that brought freedom and prosperity to our continent.
“Since your first state visit to France, when you were welcomed to Paris by a generation who, alongside your Army, Navy and Air Force, had fought for the freedom we now enjoy, you have visited us many times. You have shared our joys and seen the deep affection and admiration that the people of France have for you.
“You have also visited the graves where so many of your young men lie and seen the respect and honour we constantly pay to those who sent from your homes to protect ours.
“You are the golden thread that binds our two countries. The proof of the unwavering friendship between our nations.
“Your first toast to one of my predecessors, Rene Coty, reminded us that trust and understanding should endure forever. Your words were matched by a lifetime of devotion to our alliance.”
Charles arrives in full military regalia
Trooping the Colour, also known as the Birthday Parade - marks the start of four days of festivities honouring the Queen.
Thousands of wellwishers are draped in Union flags, party hats and plastic tiaras having flocked to central London for the spectacle.
On horseback at the rear in their uniforms are the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge and the Princess Royal, in their military regalia - including new Platinum Jubilee medals.
The Queen, meanwhile, is watching from Buckingham Palace, waiting to take a salute from the balcony accompanied by her cousin the Duke of Kent, Colonel of the Scots Guards, when the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and the Guards make their way back from the parade ground.
The royals arrive at Buckingham Palace - in pictures
Louis and Charlotte arrive at Horse Guards Parade
The duke and duchess’ younger two children, Louis and Charlotte, peered out of the central window at Horse Guards Parade as Louis pointed out towards the ceremony.
They arrived at Horse Guards Parade alongside their mother and step-grandmother in a carriage as part of the Trooping the Colour.
Boris and Carrie Johnson at Trooping the Colour
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, dressed in a morning suit, and his wife Carrie, dressed in a cerise pink outfit with frill detail and large matching hat, watched Trooping the Colour.
Here the prime minister is leaving Downing Street.
And here the couple are at the jubilee event.
Song from Final Fantasy video game played at platinum jubilee
A song from one of the Final Fantasy video games has been played at the Platinum Jubilee.
Greg Evans has the story:
A theme from Final Fantasy was just played at the Platinum Jubilee
In the rarest of all crossovers, a song from one of the Final Fantasy video games has been played at the Platinum Jubilee, leaving fans of the RPG completely baffled. The song which was played during the 'Trooping of the Colour' and many keen observers noted that it is almost note-for-note the same ...
Good weather draws the crowds in London
Huge crowds have turned out in the sunshine for the first day of the celebrations.
London is expected to see highs of 20C and plenty of sunshine today before reaching 23C on Friday.
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