Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

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

Furvah Shah,Kate Ng,Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Monday 06 June 2022 20:30 EDT
Comments
Queen Elizabeth plays ‘We will rock you’ on a tea cup with Paddington for Jubilee party

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

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.

‘Media coverage of the platinum jubilee makes me uncomfortable to work in this industry’

“As a Black woman descended from enslaved African people, the likes of whom were branded with hot irons bearing the initials of royal family members, the past four days of wall-to-wall, uncritical responses to the jubilee have been a gaslighting experience,” writes race correspondent Nadine White.

Opinion: Race was off-limits in media coverage of the Queen’s platinum jubilee

As a Black woman descended from enslaved African people, the likes of whom were branded with hot irons bearing the initials of royal family members, the past four days of wall-to-wall, uncritical responses to the jubilee have been a gaslighting experience

Saman Javed6 June 2022 17:40

Prince Charles laughs uncontrollably during Platinum Jubilee Pageant

Prince Charles laughs uncontrollably while watching platinum jubilee pageant

The heir apparant was in good spirits during Sunday’s festivities, breaking out into a fit of laughter while watching the pageant.

As a troupe of dancing elephants and zebras passed in front of the royal family, the Prince of Wales could help but have a good old giggle.

He was laughing so much that his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, and son, Prince William, leaned over to find out what was so funny.

Saman Javed6 June 2022 18:20

The £79 earrings Kate Middleton wore during the platinum jubilee weekend are still in stock

Kate Middleton stepped out in a pair of gold hoop earrings designed by Spells of Love on a royal visit to Cardiff Castle on Saturday.

Not one to shy away from rewearing items in her wardrobe, the Duchess of Cambridge first wore the Caerphilly-based brand’s hoops on a trip to Cardiff in December 2020.

For those looking for a new addition to their jewellery arsenal, the earrings are still available to buy – and they are just £79.

We have the details here:

Kate Middleton rewore £79 gold hoop earrings during the platinum jubilee

Kate Middleton rewore one of her favourite pairs of gold hoop earrings during the platinum jubilee – and they’re still in stock

Saman Javed6 June 2022 19:00

The Queen’s statement to mark end of platinum jubilee in full

The Queen made a statement on Sunday to conclude her platinum jubilee weekend.

“When it comes to how to mark 70 years as your Queen, there is no guidebook to follow. It really is a first. But I have been humbled and deeply touched that so many people have taken to the streets to celebrate my Platinum Jubilee,” the statement released by Buckingham Palace read.

“While I may not have attended every event in person, my heart has been with you all; and I remain committed to serving you to the best of my ability, supported by my family.

“I have been inspired by the kindness, joy and kinship that has been so evident in recent days, and I hope this renewed sense of togetherness will be felt for many years to come.

“I thank you most sincerely for your good wishes and for the part you have all played in these happy celebrations.”

Her message was signed Elizabeth R.

Saman Javed6 June 2022 19:40

Queen shows of her musical ability in skit with Paddington Bear

Queen Elizabeth shows off ‘cute’ acting skills with Paddington skit for BBC concert

The audience at BBC’s Party at the Palace on Saturday evening enjoyed a pre-recorded segment in which the Queen herself acted opposite Paddington Bear, voiced by Ben Whishaw.

During the skit, the Queen finally revealed what she keeps in her signature black Launer handbag and even played Queen’s “We Will Rock You” on a teacup.

Saman Javed6 June 2022 20:30

What does it mean to be both a human and a national symbol?

As Her Majesty marks 70 years on the throne, we’ve taken a closer look at how the royal family navigates the public tightrope between symbolism and human emotion.

Emma Mackenzie reports:

Queen Elizabeth II: What does it mean to be both a human and a national symbol?

As Her Majesty marks 70 years on the throne, Emma Mackenzie explores how the royal family navigates the public tightrope between symbolism and human emotion

Saman Javed6 June 2022 21:30

Harry and Meghan release picture of daughter Lilibet on first birthday

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have released a picture of their daughter Lilibet after celebrating her first birthday.

The photograph of Lilibet, who celebrated the occasion with family and close friends of the Sussexes at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor on Saturday, is understood to have been taken by family friend Misan Harriman.

(PA)
Emily Atkinson6 June 2022 22:18

How the Queen has steered family and nation through 70 years

“A constant presence across generations, Elizabeth II has always been able to chart a dignified path,” writes Sean O’Grady.

Read more here:

How the Queen has steered family and nation through 70 years

A constant presence across generations, Elizabeth II has always been able to chart a dignified path, says Sean O’Grady

Emily Atkinson6 June 2022 23:30

Meghan and Harry were the royal family’s last hope for a modern monarchy

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made their first public appearance in the UK for over two years this weekend, after stepping down as senior members of the royal family in 2020.

We took a closer look at the potential that was lost when they decided to leave the firm.

Emma Mackenzie reports:

Meghan and Harry were the royal family’s last hope for a modern monarchy

As the Sussexes return to the UK to celebrate the Queen’s platinum jubilee, Emma Mackenzie looks at the potential that was lost when they decided to leave the firm

Emily Atkinson7 June 2022 00:30

Prince Louis ‘especially’ had incredible time at jubilee, say Cambridges

William and Kate have expressed their gratitude to those who turned out for the weekend celebrations marking the Queen’s platinum jubilee.

In a personal message, alongside images from the weekend’s festivities, posted to their shared Twitter account, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said: “What a fantastic weekend of celebrations.

“Seeing people across the nation coming together with family, friends and loved ones has been extremely special.

“Thank you to everyone who turned out to show their gratitude to the Queen and her inspiring 70 years of leadership.

“From the crowds on the Mall to communities hosting street parties up and down the country, we hope you had a weekend to remember.

“We all had an incredible time, especially Louis...”

Emily Atkinson7 June 2022 01:30

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in