Platinum Jubilee 2022: Queen says she’s ‘deeply touched’ so many celebrated her Platinum Jubilee

The Queen has said she remains ‘committed to serving’ the nation to ‘the best of my ability’, after she concluded her Platinum Jubilee celebrations by appearing on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. 

The 96-year-old monarch was absent for much of the extended Bank Holiday weekend, after finding the first day enjoyable but tiring, and in a message of thanks acknowledged this but said her ‘heart’ had been with well-wishers. 

The Duchess of Cornwall, patron of the Big Lunch, estimated that up to 18 million people could have taken part in Jubilee street parties, and the Queen expressed her hope this ‘renewed sense of togetherness’ would be felt for years to come. 

After the outpouring of public affection during her balcony appearance, the Queen said she was ‘humbled and deeply touched’ so many people had taken part in celebrations marking her 70-year reign. 

Surrounded by her family, she was cheered by thousands of well-wishers after stepping on to the balcony following the Platinum Pageant, which told the story of her life, and the nation, with an eccentric, fun and imaginative carnival-like display. 

Smiling as she acknowledged the spectators, she looked down on The Mall where tens of thousands had waited in hope of seeing her. 

The Queen said later in her message: ‘When it comes to how to mark seventy 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. 

‘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.’ 

The Queen had not been seen since she made two balcony appearances on the first day of the Jubilee celebrations, when Trooping the Colour was held, and the Duchess of Cambridge later said she had found the day enjoyable but tiring. 

But the Queen looked at ease on the balcony as the celebrations drew to a close, leaning on a walking stick, now a routine aid following her mobility issues, and acknowledging the crowds with a wave. 

The Prince of Wales stood with the Queen along with the Duchess of Cornwall, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. 

After the national anthem was sung by a choir of celebrities including Sir David Jason, Harry Redknapp, Sir Cliff Richard, Sandie Shaw and Felicity Kendal, the Queen waved again at well-wishers and was joined by her great-grandchildren, with Louis waving with both hands. 

The royal family had planned to see a display by the Red Arrows from their balcony vantage point, but it was called off due to the low clouds which had threatened rain all day. 

Earlier in the day Charles had expressed the same sentiment as the Queen when he spoke about the camaraderie the Jubilee events had fostered. 

He told revellers at The Big Lunch’s flagship event in London, which he attended with Camilla, that he hoped ‘bickering’ did not return after the feeling of ‘togetherness’ across the nation. 

It comes after she stepped out onto the Buckingham Palace balcony for nearly three minutes, in her first public appearance since Platinum Jubilee celebrations began on Thursday.

The monarch, 96, was greeted by roars from thousands of spectators gathered on The Mall as Britain’s longest-serving head of state was helped onto the balcony by Prince Charles, Camilla, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, George, Charlotte and Louis.

The royals then joined the crowd in a spine-tingling chorus of God Save The Queen shortly after 5pm, bringing the the Jubilee celebrations to a close.

Her Majesty, dressed in green, was missing from the royal box but arrived at the Palace from Windsor Castle at around 4.30pm, when the royal standard was raised. She was last seen four days ago after pulling out of two Jubilee events amid growing concerns for her health.

Pomp and pageantry kicked off the final day of Jubilee celebrations celebrating the Queen’s astonishing 70-year reign as a hologram of the young monarch waving at royal fans and a ceremonial military procession launched the 2½-hour pageant.

Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, their children George, Charlotte and Louis, Princess Anne, and Zara and Mike Tindall are all seated in the royal box alongside Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie, Keir Starmer and Sadiq Khan to watch the two-mile procession through central London.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who are visiting the UK together for the first time since they acrimoniously quit royal duties, were absent for a second day running. Yesterday they celebrated their daughter Lilibet’s 1st birthday, and introduced the child to her namesake.

The pageant was split into four acts: For Queen and Country with a military parade; The Time of Our Lives progressing through seven decades of culture, music and fashion; Let’s Celebrate telling the story of the Queen’s life in 12 chapters with corgi puppets and carnival creations; and the Happy and Glorious musical spectacle.

Close to 200 national treasures including Sir David Jason, Harry Redknapp, Sandie Shaw, Felicity Kendal, Joe Wicks and Holly Willoughby joined pop sensation Ed Sheeran in a mass rendition of God Save The Queen outside Buckingham Palace at the end of the pageant.

Guardsmen, Gurkhas, Royal Marines and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in their breastplates and plumed feathers were among the hundreds of servicemen and women who led the way marching along the streets around Buckingham Palace.

Charles took the salute of various military units when they passed the royal box and he stood to acknowledge the servicemen and women as they passed. 

Some 10,000 people including a cast of 6,000 performers are involved in staging the carnival route from Horse Guards, along Whitehall to Admiralty Arch and down The Mall to Buckingham Palace, echoing Her Majesty’s 1953 coronation procession.

British eccentricity was soon to the fore when the cyclists on a menagerie of bikes rode past Buckingham Palace, including a biker dressed as the character Elliot from the sci-fi Movie ET, complete with the Extra Terrestrial in the cycle’s basket.

As the decades flashed by revellers in period 1940s clothes danced the Lambeth Walk and further down The Mall jiving performers represented the 1950s.

Interspersed were iconic vehicles from Morris Minors, rockers on classic motorbikes and Mods on scooters, while the national treasures – celebrities from across the years including Katherine Jenkins, Bonnie Langford, Alan Titchmarsh, Basil Brush, Kate Garraway and RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Baga Chipz and Blu Hydrangea, and fashion royalty Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell – travelled on buses.

Sir Cliff Richard sang from the 1950s bus, former boxer Chris Eubank posed from the open top-deck of another, and TV presenter Johnny Ball joked on the BBC about the experience on the 1970s bus: ‘It’s all right, but I’m worried I haven’t paid my fare’.

A peloton of 300 cyclists travelled down The Mall led by Sir Chris Hoy and cycling golden couple Dame Laura and Sir Jason Kenny. 

The Queen’s three-minute appearance on the balcony delighted the crowd who were not sure whether she would be there.

It came after Ed Sheeran took to the stage to play his hit song Perfect, against a moving back-drop of a montage of video clips of the Queen throughout the years.

Paula and Patrick Queenan, from Radlett in Hertfordshire, said the Queen and the royal family coming out on to the balcony was the best part of the Jubilee celebrations.

Mrs Queenan, 57, said: ‘Seeing the Queen come out on the balcony was amazing.

‘We didn’t know if she’d come or not. This was the first day that I’ve been here and this was the real highlight.’

Mr Queenan, 58, added: ‘I came for the fly past on Thursday and the atmosphere was fantastic.

‘Our daughter and her fiance came down from Sheffield today. They’re both doctors and so they’re going to head back now and they’re on duty tonight.

‘We had a street party on Friday, the whole street came to ours and sang the national anthem. Seeing the Queen has been the best bit of this week.’

 

Charles spoke about the camaraderie the Jubilee celebrations have fostered, telling revellers at The Big Lunch’s flagship event in London he hoped ‘bickering’ does not return after the feeling of ‘togetherness’ across the nation.

Sadiq Khan hailed the Queen’s Jubilee Pageant as ‘spectacular’ as celebrations draw to a close.

The Mayor of London tweeted: ‘Wasn’t that spectacular?’

‘It was moving to see so many of London’s performers, service people, key workers and school children involved in today’s #PlatinumJubilee Pageant to tell the story of the Queen’s historic 70-year reign.’

His sentiment was echoed by Pageant Master Adrian Evans, who has spent 18 months planning the £15 million event, featuring some 10,000 people including a cast of 6,000 performers.

Mr Evans told BBC News: ‘I hope at the end of the day people will feel a great sense of pride in what they’ve seen, enjoyment in what they’ve seen, humour and joy is an important part of what we’re doing today but also connected, that we are much more connected then we think we are.’

He told Sky News: ‘What I wanted to do first and foremost was provide an opportunity for people to express themselves in their own wonderful, idiosyncratic, quirky way and that to the iconic streets around Buckingham Palace.’

Close to 200 national treasures will take to the stage to serenade the Queen, if she makes an appearance, by singing the national anthem at the grand finale of the Platinum Jubilee festivities.

Mr Evans told Sky News: ‘I hope it will be a great day, everyone’s very excited and it’s palpitating how excited everybody is today.

‘It’s about participation. What I wanted to do first and foremost was provide an opportunity for people to express themselves in their own wonderful, idiosyncratic, quirky way and that to the iconic streets around Buckingham Palace.’

Kate stroked Louis’s shoulder before he got out of his seat and walked to his left.

The four-year-old prince then sat on his grandfather Charles’s lap, and Charles rocked him from side to side. He was then seen back with his mother Kate.

Mia Tindall sat on her father Mike’s lap at one point in the concert, while Lena Tindall sat on her cousin Savannah Phillips’s lap.

Meanwhile, the Princess Royal sat and clapped along to Kool & The Gang’s Celebration.

The ‘Dame’ section of the Jubilee pageant featured appearances from Joan Collins and Arlene Phillips. Twiggy, real name Dame Lesley Lawson, and Dame Prue Leith also drove down the road in open-topped vintage cars.

However, the open-topped vehicle carrying Prue Leith needed to be pushed by four men in fluorescent jackets. Due to the scale of the event, it was not possible to have a rehearsal of the pageant.

Gary Lineker joked it is a ‘career highlight’ to be on the same bus as Pudsey Bear during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant.

‘A career highlight. Being on a bus ride with Pudsey,’ the presenter tweeted.

Holly Willoughby has described the Queen as the ‘most incredible, amazing iconic lady’ as she represented the 2010s in the Jubilee pageant.

Speaking to presenter AJ Odudu on the bus, she added that the atmosphere is ‘overwhelming’ at the event.

Nicole Scherzinger was also among the celebrities on the bus, as well as Rylan.

A cast of thousands of colourful characters and hundreds of iconic vehicles parading through central London for the Jubilee pageant include 1950s motorcycles, decorated double-decker buses from seven decades and a band of belligerent Daleks.

The four extra-terrestrial mutants from the sci-fi television programme Doctor Who will be rolling alongside cultural icons from the 1960s in the decade-by-decade Time of Our Lives section of the spectacle.

True to their combative on-screen nature, the Daleks threatened other performers and journalists gathered on Horse Guards Parade with ‘extermination’.

‘Surrender now, you have been exterminated! Do not threaten the Daleks!’ one of the villains shouted as it charged towards squealing onlookers.

One of the operators, Simon James, 48, said he did not mind spending many hours in the suit.

‘I have a nice comfy seat, so I’m going to get the best seat in the house,’ he said.

In his mechanical Dalek voice, the train driver from Birmingham added: ‘I am very excited to be taking part in the Platinum Jubilee. The Queen has done this country an amazing service and we are here to pay respect to the sovereign’.

Gaynor Cowley, 58, said she was accompanying the Daleks as a minder.

‘They have to have someone with them so that they don’t run over anything, bump into anything or go over potholes. I help him get in and out of the Dalek too,’ she said, adding that they were members of Project Dalek, who build Daleks and give advice about them.

The gravelly parade ground on St James’s Park was filled with vintage cars and motorcycles, floats and performers preparing to set off on the 3km carnival procession on a grey and cool Sunday morning. The 1960s part of the parade will also feature a fleet of iconic Minis, with the driver of one saying she was ’emotional’ to be participating.

Sarah Jones will be driving her model, which she bought for £500 in 1974, with a cut-out corgi peeking out the back.

The 74-year-old silversmith from London’s Islington said she crafted a bunch of silver national flowers for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, featuring the daffodil, rose, shamrock and thistle.

Open-top buses were lined up on Horse Guards ready to carry celebrities from each era of the Queen’s reign. Bus preservation enthusiasts Richard Dixon, 63, and Ivan Fisher, 42, who will be a ticket conductor on the 1950s bus and the driver the 2000s bus, respectively, said they were more excited about taking part in the event itself than meeting celebrities.

Mr Fisher said: ‘I’m more keen to be involved in the pageant and do it for the Queen really, because I’m a great royalist, so anything royal I’m keen on. It’d be nice to have any of them (celebrities) on.’

Mr Dixon said. ‘On the 1953 bus we’ve got Sir Cliff Richard, I’m looking forward to meeting him.’

Barry Yarde, one of the motorcyclists who will lead a fleet of classic bikes in the 1950s section on his 1953 twin-engine Sunbeam S7 said it was ‘brilliant’ to be part of the festivities.

The 66-year-old from Brockley in south-east London, said: ‘Whether you’re a royalist or not it makes no difference, just the celebration of 70 years I think is a brilliant thing to be part of.

‘After two years of an absolute tough time for everybody, a gathering like this is just wonderful, watching everyone enjoying being out and being together, that’s important’. 

A group of rival carnival clubs have come together to create the float for the Platinum Jubilee Pageant.

A total of 15 carnival clubs from Somerset joined together to create the Bridgwater Carnival float. The float celebrates the pomp and splendour of the monarchy and features the Crown, Beefeaters and the royal coat of arms and is part of the ‘Jubilation’ section of the pageant.

Flagbearers carried the flags of the four nations, and the flags of the Commonwealth are represented on the cart. The 1980s hit Celebration by The Overtones also played as the float made its way through the parade.

Daniel Cullen, of Marketeers Carnival Club, said it about nine months to create the float and it was finished on Wednesday.

Mr Cullen, 45, said: ‘Nine months ago we converted a lorry unit, which we stripped down, put some weight on it and converted it to our needs. About 200 people have been involved in the whole thing.

‘On the build side, it was probably about 50 or 60 people and then we have all the costume makers, dancers and choreographers. There’s different people from different carnival clubs who have all worked together on this.

‘We are rivals, but we’re friends. There’s people which we would have just said hello to and that’s about it, but now we’ve got to know them really well, we have a drink with them and have become friends.’

Simon Male, 35, of the Harlequins Carnival Club, said the project has helped the different clubs all bond together.

‘It’s been really good to be asked to get involved in this,’ he said. ‘We compete in the whole circuit but it’s been really good working with so many people than what you normally do.

‘It’s been brilliant working with other clubs. We’re learning different skills of how people do stuff, it’s a whole next experience and is a once-in-a-lifetime.’

He added: ‘I always see carnival as two different sides. You have people who go on the cart and road crew who are out on the circuit.

‘The road crew have the relationship that if someone’s got a problem, we help them. It’s just the way it is. But with this, for example Jamie, who is one of the drivers, we wouldn’t have got to know him as well as we have done.

‘I know him from the circuit but over this we’ve had a really good laugh and got on well. Working on this has been tiring, but you do what you can and I’ve got a lump in my throat when I see it now. This is one once in a lifetime thing, isn’t it?

‘I can tell my kids, they can tell their kids. It’ll be a long, long time before this happens again.’

Meanwhile, millions up and down the country will gather for 85,000 Big Jubilee Lunches, street parties, picnics and barbecues today, as Platinum Jubilee celebrations draw to a close. 

Last night the Prince of Wales called the Queen ‘Mummy’ and described how ‘you laugh and cry with us and, most importantly, you have been there for us’ in a moving, personal tribute to Britain’s longest-serving head of state after the Buckingham Palace concert.

The monarch received affectionate tributes from the Prince of Wales and national figures during Saturday night’s Platinum Party at the Palace that saw Sir Rod Stewart, Diana Ross and Duran Duran perform for thousands in The Mall.

And in a comic sketch that delighted the nation, the Queen had tea with Paddington Bear and revealed, like the furry character, she is partial to a marmalade sandwich.

Paying tribute to the monarch after his son the Duke of Cambridge’s rallying cry for climate change action, Charles, who was joined by his wife Camilla, said: ‘You pledged to serve your whole life – you continue to deliver.’

The future king, who began his heartfelt speech with ‘Your Majesty, Mummy’ just as he did at the Diamond and Golden Jubilee pop concerts, told the Queen: ‘You have been with us in our difficult times. And you bring us together to celebrate moments of pride, joy and happiness.’

He added: ‘You have met us and talked with us. You laugh and cry with us and, most importantly, you have been there for us, for these 70 years. You pledged to serve your whole life – you continue to deliver. That is why we are here. That is what we celebrate tonight.’

Charles reflected on the Queen’s every-growing family, which now stretches to 12 great-grandchildren, and on her dual role as sovereign and royal matriarch. He said: ‘Your family now spans four generations. You are our Head of State. And you are also our mother.’

And in a touching moment, Charles spoke of his ‘much missed’ late father the Duke of Edinburgh, calling him ‘My Papa’ and saying the Queen’s late husband Philip was there ‘in spirit’. 

Last night the Duke of Cambridge hailed the Platinum Jubilee concert as full of ‘optimism and joy’ as he praised the Queen for her ‘hope’ in the future of the planet.

William paid tribute to the positive outlook of his grandmother during a segment of the Platinum Party at the Palace dedicated to the environment and featuring Sir David Attenborough.

He echoed the Queen’s words from her speech to the Cop26 UN Climate Change summit, when she said working together in a ‘common cause’ always gave rise to hope.

The duke highlighted the efforts of ‘visionary environmentalists’ and went on to name broadcaster and naturalist Sir David and spoke about the pride he felt for ‘my grandfather and my father’, the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince of Wales, who have championed the natural world.

Speaking on stage to thousands gathered in The Mall, William said: ‘It’s my firm hope that my grandmother’s words are as true in 70 years’ time as they are tonight that as nations we come together in common cause, because then there is always room for hope.

‘Tonight has been full of such optimism and joy – and there is hope. Together, if we harness the very best of humankind, and restore our planet, we will protect it for our children, for our grandchildren and for future generations to come.’

Before the duke spoke, a pre-recorded message from Sir David was played featuring spectacular imagery of the planet with the Hans Zimmer orchestra playing a version of the Planet Earth II Suite as dancers from the Royal Ballet performed.

The crowds heard archive recordings of the Queen speaking about the future of the planet in 1989 during her Christmas Message: ‘The future of all life on earth depends on how we behave towards one another and how we treat the plants and animals that share our world with us.’

And an extract from the monarch’s Cop26 video message speech: ‘None of us underestimates the challenge ahead but history has shown that when nations come together in common cause there is always room for hope.’

William said it was ‘great to see Buckingham Palace turned into a giant Imax screen’ after video and audio from the Cop26 message was projected on to the London landmark alongside images of Philip and Charles.

He went on to say: ‘While no-one’s grandmother thanks them for talking about their age, my own grandmother has been alive for nearly a century. In that time, mankind has benefited from unimaginable technological developments and scientific breakthroughs.

‘And although those breakthroughs have increased our awareness of the impact humans have on our world, our planet has become more fragile.’

Who CAN he be talking about? Prince Charles tells guests at The Oval he hopes ‘bickering’ does not return after a weekend of ‘togetherness’… as 12MILLION Big Jubilee Lunch parties are thrown across the UK to celebrate the Queen’s 70-year reign 

Prince Charles today said he hopes ‘bickering’ does not return to Britain after the Platinum Jubilee generated a feeling of ‘togetherness’ across the country.

The Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall are tucking into the Big Jubilee Lunch at the Oval cricket ground in South London, where they marvelled at a 20ft tea table made entirely of felt and cut a big cake before toasting Her Majesty. 

Guests at the lunch have said that the future king remarked: ‘When it comes to Monday are we going to go back to all the bickering again? Let’s hope we don’t do that.’

It comes as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle returned to the UK more than two years after acrimoniously quitting royal duties and moving to their £11million Californian mansion, putting tensions with Prince William and Kate Middleton to one side. This weekend the Sussexes discreetly watched Friday’s Trooping the Colour ceremony from Horse Guards Parade, but did not appear on the Buckingham Palace, and they were not at last night’s Platinum Party at the Palace.

Harry and Meghan also introduced the Queen to her great-granddaughter Lilibet, who celebrated her 1st birthday yesterday, for the first time.

Sarah Friar, CEO of neighbourhood app Nextdoor, said of Charles: ‘He said at the end how great it was that everyone comes together this weekend.’ Gemma Snow, from the Eden Project, was sitting next to the Prince of Wales at the lunch for a few minutes and said he talked about ‘keeping that togetherness going’ after the bank holiday weekend. 

He also described last night’s Buckingham Palace concert – at which he gave a moving, personal tribute to ‘Mummy’ – as ‘marvellous’. 

Charles and Camilla are expected to then join William and Kate and other members of the royal family on the Buckingham Palace balcony at the end of the 2½-hour £15million Jubilee pageant from 2.30pm this afternoon.

It is hoped but not known if Her Majesty, 96, will make an appearance today, after she pulled out of two Jubilee events amid concerns for her health. Royal superfans will be nevertheless treated to holograms of the Queen beamed onto the Gold State Coach as it is paraded through central London, making it seem as if the monarch is in the carriage. 

Britons are attending a record-breaking 12million parties and lunches today as they celebrate the Queen‘s astonishing seven-decade reign. 

Some 10,000 people including a cast of 6,000 performers are involved in staging the spectacular two-mile carnival route from Horse Guards, along Whitehall to Admiralty Arch and down The Mall to Buckingham Palace, echoing Her Majesty’s 1953 coronation procession. 

Elsewhere today, the Earl and Countess of Wessex are expected to join thousands of the Queen’s neighbours for a record breaking ‘long lunch’ on the Long Walk outside the gates of Windsor Castle on the final day of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Members of the local community, 70 volunteers who have been recognised as Platinum Champions through the Royal Voluntary Service’s Platinum Champions Awards, celebrity ambassadors and various charity representatives will be among the guests at the Oval. 

Celebrities David and Victoria Beckham, Ross Kemp, Gareth Southgate, Prue Leith and Ellie Simmonds have all urged people to throw the biggest thank you party for the Queen. More than 600 Big Jubilee Lunches are being planned throughout the Commonwealth and beyond – from Canada to Brazil, New Zealand to Japan and South Africa to Switzerland.

Royal superfans are set to brave the elements on the final day of the Jubilee weekend, amid fears today’s pageant will be battered by thunderstorms.

As Britain celebrates the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee:

• Charles said he hoped that the ‘bickering’ will stop after the Jubilee generated a feeling of ‘togetherness’ across the country;
• Prince Harry and Meghan Markle celebrated Lilibet’s 1st birthday yesterday at Frogmore Cottage. They did not attend the Platinum Party at the Palace, and it is not known if the Sussexes have been invited to the Platinum Jubilee Pageant; 
• William and Kate have shared adorable photos of their children George, Charlotte and Louis baking cakes for a Cardiff street party;
• It is not known if the Queen will make an appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony today at the end of the pageant. She has pulled out of two Jubilee events in a row, citing ‘mobility issues’. Her Majesty, 96, has been using a walking stick. 

Last month Camilla told the Mail of her passion and determination to get as many members of the public out to celebrate as possible.

‘It’s just wonderful to get people back together again, isn’t it?’ she said. ‘It’s a lovely way to celebrate, it’s a lovely way to get to know your neighbours and to have a lot of delicious food and chat.’

Around 3,000 people, mainly from Windsor and surrounding areas attended the lunch, sitting at a line of 488 picnic tables that measured 800 metres long, making it the largest street party in the UK over the four-day festive period.

Prince Edward and his wife Sophie walked along the long line of picnic tables to speak with enthusiastic local revellers, who did not let the gloomy weather dampen their spirits.

Decked out in red, white and blue clothing, Union Jack hats and waving pictures of the Queen, picnic goers braved the windy weather and overcast skies to commemorate her 70 years on the throne.

They had to bring their own food and munched on sandwiches, crisps and even roast dinners as they sipped an assortment of drinks, from quintessential British tea to champagne as they watched the Jubilee Pageant on giant screens that had been erected on the Long Walk.

Thousands of others not lucky enough to win tickets for seats at the picnic tables, which were allocated via a ballot and given out for free, laid out their own blankets nearby as they joined in with the festivities.

Organisers claimed that the 800-metre-long line of picnic tables was not an official world record as they were not laid out in one continuous line and had small breaks between them.

Lisa Hunt, event manager said: ‘We could have gone for the world record but that’s not what this picnic is about.

‘It’s amazing that so many people have come out to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. It just shows you how we feel about her. It’s our way of saying thank you for her devoted services. This is a big thank you from the local community to Her Majesty but the whole country feels the same way.’

Revellers were entertained by street performers and singers as they partied through the afternoon.

On Saturday, around 50,000 people attended a free, open air party along the Long Walk, the iconic three-mile-long avenue that leads up to Windsor Castle.

Debbie Reynolds gushed: ‘It’s been a fantastic couple of days. We live nearby and it’s fantastic that the Queen has allowed us to celebrate in what effectively is her back garden.

‘I’ve got lots of food and drink and am just soaking in the atmosphere. It doesn’t matter if the weather’s not great because we are British and we don’t let that affect us.’

Josh Simons who was at the picnic with his family said: ‘This is a great coming together of the whole nation. It’s been fantastic to be in Windsor over the last couple of days and all the community has come together to celebrate with our very famous neighbour.

‘The Queen is at the heart of Windsor and Britain. We are proud to be part of this town and show the world what this great country is all about.’

Rani Singh, who was seated at table with friends and neighbours said: ‘It’s been a great four days and really wonderful to see all of Britain’s diverse communities taking part in these celebrations.

‘We live in Windsor and feel honoured that we’ve got a famous neighbour like the Queen. We’re lucky to have her, she’s done a wonderful job over the past 70 years.’

Peter Stewart, executive director of the Eden Project, where the idea for The Big Lunch comes from, told the Daily Mail: ‘Despite hard copies running out, demand for our digital packs is pushing that number up, so we think our estimates of more than 12million joining in on the weekend is modest.

‘That’s possible because of National Lottery support and the patronage of HRH Duchess of Cornwall, who has been behind us every step of the way.’

Mr Stewart was at pains to stress that people wishing to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee do not have to organise a formal event – even pulling up a chair and inviting neighbours over for a slice of cake will do.

The important thing, he said, was to stretch out a hand of friendship and be part of a ‘historical national event’.

Two neighbouring villages from adjoining counties are hoping to break the world record for the longest jubilee street party.

Goring, in Oxfordshire, and Streatley, in Berkshire, plan to create a kilometre-long (0.6 mile) celebration, with more than 500 tables spanning the full length of both village high streets.

In Morecambe, Lancashire, the town council’s party will see 300 tables stretched across the famous promenade – past the famous Eric Morecambe statue unveiled by the Queen in 1999.

Birmingham is hosting a major open-to-all event in its Victoria Square, while in Bognor Regis, on the South Coast, the whole town is being turned into a carnival with big screens.

In Bristol there will be an international celebration, highlighting the Queen’s global popularity. From Preston, where 10,000 people are expected at one event, to Portsmouth, where two events will see live entertainment and bandstand performances, communities are coming together.

The pageant is split into four acts: For Queen and Country with a military parade; The Time of Our Lives progressing through seven decades of culture, music and fashion; Let’s Celebrate telling the story of the Queen’s life in 12 chapters with corgi puppets and carnival creations; and the Happy and Glorious musical spectacle.

Celebrities will travel in decorated open top double decker buses for the decade-by-decade celebrations. 

A peloton of 300 cyclists, riding vintage bikes from across the seven decades of the Queen’s reign, is to travel down The Mall led by Sir Chris Hoy and cycling golden couple Dame Laura and Sir Jason Kenny.

Close to 200 national treasures will take to the stage to serenade the Queen by singing the national anthem at the grand finale of the Platinum Jubilee festivities. Stars including Sir David Jason, Harry Redknapp, Sir Cliff Richard, Sandie Shaw, Felicity Kendal, Joe Wicks and Holly Willoughby will join Ed Sheeran in a mass rendition of God Save The Queen outside Buckingham Palace at the end of the pageant.

Meanwhile, millions up and down the country will gather for 85,000 Big Jubilee Lunches, street parties, picnics and barbecues today. 

Last night the Prince of Wales called the Queen ‘Mummy’ and described how ‘you laugh and cry with us and, most importantly, you have been there for us’ in a moving, personal tribute to Britain’s longest-serving head of state after the Buckingham Palace concert.

The monarch received affectionate tributes from the Prince of Wales and national figures during Saturday night’s Platinum Party at the Palace that saw Sir Rod Stewart, Diana Ross and Duran Duran perform for thousands in The Mall.

And in a comic sketch that delighted the nation, the Queen had tea with Paddington Bear and revealed, like the furry character, she is partial to a marmalade sandwich.

Paying tribute to the monarch after his son the Duke of Cambridge’s rallying cry for climate change action, Charles, who was joined by his wife Camilla, said: ‘You pledged to serve your whole life – you continue to deliver.’

The future king, who began his heartfelt speech with ‘Your Majesty, Mummy’ just as he did at the Diamond and Golden Jubilee pop concerts, told the Queen: ‘You have been with us in our difficult times. And you bring us together to celebrate moments of pride, joy and happiness.’

He added: ‘You have met us and talked with us. You laugh and cry with us and, most importantly, you have been there for us, for these 70 years. You pledged to serve your whole life – you continue to deliver. That is why we are here. That is what we celebrate tonight.’

Charles reflected on the Queen’s every-growing family, which now stretches to 12 great-grandchildren, and on her dual role as sovereign and royal matriarch. He said: ‘Your family now spans four generations. You are our Head of State.And you are also our mother.’

And in a touching moment, Charles spoke of his ‘much missed’ late father the Duke of Edinburgh, calling him ‘My Papa’ and saying the Queen’s late husband Philip was there ‘in spirit’. 

Last night the Duke of Cambridge hailed the Platinum Jubilee concert as full of ‘optimism and joy’ as he praised the Queen for her ‘hope’ in the future of the planet.

William paid tribute to the positive outlook of his grandmother during a segment of the Platinum Party at the Palace dedicated to the environment and featuring Sir David Attenborough.

He echoed the Queen’s words from her speech to the Cop26 UN Climate Change summit, when she said working together in a ‘common cause’ always gave rise to hope.

The duke highlighted the efforts of ‘visionary environmentalists’ and went on to name broadcaster and naturalist Sir David and spoke about the pride he felt for ‘my grandfather and my father’, the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince of Wales, who have championed the natural world.

Speaking on stage to thousands gathered in The Mall, William said: ‘It’s my firm hope that my grandmother’s words are as true in 70 years’ time as they are tonight that as nations we come together in common cause, because then there is always room for hope.

‘Tonight has been full of such optimism and joy – and there is hope. Together, if we harness the very best of humankind, and restore our planet, we will protect it for our children, for our grandchildren and for future generations to come.’

Before the duke spoke, a pre-recorded message from Sir David was played featuring spectacular imagery of the planet with the Hans Zimmer orchestra playing a version of the Planet Earth II Suite as dancers from the Royal Ballet performed.

The crowds heard archive recordings of the Queen speaking about the future of the planet in 1989 during her Christmas Message: ‘The future of all life on earth depends on how we behave towards one another and how we treat the plants and animals that share our world with us.’

And an extract from the monarch’s Cop26 video message speech: ‘None of us underestimates the challenge ahead but history has shown that when nations come together in common cause there is always room for hope.’

William said it was ‘great to see Buckingham Palace turned into a giant Imax screen’ after video and audio from the Cop26 message was projected on to the London landmark alongside images of Philip and Charles.

He went on to say: ‘While no-one’s grandmother thanks them for talking about their age, my own grandmother has been alive for nearly a century. In that time, mankind has benefited from unimaginable technological developments and scientific breakthroughs.

‘And although those breakthroughs have increased our awareness of the impact humans have on our world, our planet has become more fragile.’

He added the need to protect the planet had ‘never been more urgent’, but like the Queen ‘I am an optimist’.

The royal family sang along, waved their arms and shared laughs as they enjoyed a night out at the Platinum Party at the Palace.

Princess Charlotte and Prince George sat in front row of the royal box between their parents, clapping along to Queen + Adam Lambert’s performance of Don’t Stop Me Now, as the youngsters stayed up late to make a surprise appearance.

The Windsors – as many as 40 of them out in force – joined in whole-heartedly with the chorus during Sir Rod Stewart’s rendition of the hit anthem Sweet Caroline as the words were projected onto the screen, with eight-year-old George delivering a ‘bom, bom, bom’ perfectly in time.

The Duchess of Cornwall enthusiastically waved her union flag up high, as the Prince of Wales moved his decisively to the beat.

Charlotte was at one point seen reading a programme, tapping her mother on the elbow, while at times Kate bopped up and down to the music.

The duchess burst out laughing when comedian Lee Mack tried to get the royal box to join in with his delivery of the late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury’s ‘Ay-Oh’ chant.

During Elbow’s appearance, Charlotte, in a sequinned red dress with matching red cardigan and with her hair down, peered forward to look at the stage.

Zara and Mike Tindall chatted with their heads close together during the show, as ex-rugby player Mike waved his union flag.

At one point George slumped down in his chair, leaning towards his father during the two-and-a-half hour run of performances, set on three stages in front of Buckingham Palace on the third day of the Jubilee bank holiday weekend.

For Jason Donovan’s rendition of Any Dream Will Do from Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Camilla moved her arms up high from side to side, as Charles did too before pausing to adjust his illuminated wristband.

The Cambridges also waved their flags, with William singing along with the words: ‘May I return…to the beginning.’

Sam Ryder, in a sequined union flag jumpsuit, performed his Eurovision hit Space Man and impressed Anne, who clapped afterwards, while Charles appeared to enjoy Andrea Bocelli’s singing.

Also in the royal box were Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie, as well as Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.

Would I Lie to You regular, comedian Lee Mack, taking to the stage during a scene change, mercilessly poked fun at those seated in the Royal Box, particularly PM Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie.

‘Welcome to the party of a lifetime at the gates of Buckingham Palace,’ he began.

‘And I’ll tell you what…. Finally we can say the words party and gate and it’s a positive,’ to gales of laughter and applause from the crowd estimated at 50,000, stretching right down the Mall to Admiralty Arch.

But Mack hadn’t finished with the VIPS. He then initiated a call and response ‘ayo’ chant with different sections of the audience, but when it came to the Royal Box, he made the sound they were supposed to repeat impossibly complicated, reducing them all to fits of laughter.

Queen + Adam Lambert delivered an electric opening to the BBC’s Platinum Party at the Palace concert with a selection of classic hit songs.

The act was introduced in a novel way as the Queen and Paddington bear initiated the beat of Queen’s We Will Rock You by tapping on China teacups during a special opening film.

American singer Lambert, 40, took to the stage dressed in a black and gold embellished coat to continue the beat alongside the Royal military band.

The rock band’s guitarist Brian May made another memorable entrance on stage by being raised from beneath the stage while shredding on his guitar.

May created a classic moment 20 years ago, during the 2002 Golden Jubilee celebrations, when he performed God Save The Queen on Buckingham Palace’s roof.

The rock group also performed Don’t Stop Me Now to a crowd of cheering fans as multi-coloured lights flashed across the stage.

Princess Charlotte and Prince George were also seen waving their Union Jack flags along to the song We Are The Champions as they sat in the Royal Box at the front in between their parents.

They were followed by Jax Jones who opened his set with his song You Don’t Know Me while sitting in a bed, which he previously said was in tribute to people making music from their bedrooms.

Behind him was a mock-up English Heritage blue plaque on a screen which read: ‘Jax Jones Bedroom Producer SE23 lives here.’

He then introduced rapper Stefflon Don, singer Mabel and musician John Newman – who joined him for different songs

Elbow followed up with a performance of One Day Like This alongside the Citizens of the World Choir, before Ashley Banjo and his dance troupe Diversity took to the stage.

They delivered an energetic routine to a number of British songs popular throughout the Queen’s reign.

Moving from the sixties to the songs of today, the group danced to The Beatles’ She Loves You, the Bee Gees’ Night Fever and David Bowie’s Let’s Dance.

They then danced to the Spice Girls’ Spice Up Your Life, One Direction’s What Makes You Beautiful and Stormzy’s Big For Your Boots.

Rapper and singer Craig David also performed his songs Ain’t Giving Up, Re-Rewind and Fill Me In – while rising star Mimi Webb sang her single House On Fire.

Earlier in the evening, Eurovision star Sam Ryder and Diversity’s Ashley Banjo were among the stars who praised the Queen’s service ahead of their performances.

Ryder, who was runner-up in the recent Eurovision song contest while representing the UK, was among the star-studded line-up who entertained a live crowd of 22,000 people and a television audience of millions.

Speaking backstage about the monarch’s 70 years on the throne, Ryder, 32, said he feels it is ‘so selfless to give your entire life to that service’.

He added: ‘How many of us could say that we could do that? It’s breathtaking. The way that she carries herself, it reminds us that strength can be gentle.

‘I think that’s so important, to me all the time. To carry yourself in a way where you’re bringing so many people together in unity and solidarity but doing it with such a subtle kindness.’

The singer revealed that he got the call to do the Jubilee concert while on the bus home from Eurovision last month, which left him feeling like he was ‘overflowing with joy’.

Banjo, 33, performed with his dance troupe Diversity during the concert, in a sequence that celebrated Britain’s role in shaping music during Her Majesty’s reign.

Speaking before their performance, Banjo said that to describe the Queen as an ‘icon’ is an understatement, adding: ‘She’s just an extremely special person, such a unique human for the country and the world.’

Introducing a musical theatre segment of the concert, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber kick-started five musical performances with a short duet American composer Lin Manuel Miranda.

Lord Webber said: ‘Your Majesty, your reign has outrun any theatre in history, an extraordinary achievement.’

Performances featured songs from musicals including Hamilton and The Lion King.

Queen guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor paid tribute to the monarch, who did not attend the party, before they took to the stage, describing her as an ‘incredible woman’ and hinting at the Paddington moment said she was a ‘very good sport’. 

Singer Sam Ryder, who came second in the Eurovision contest, wore a Union Jack jumpsuit as he sang ‘Space Man’ to cheers from the crowd. 

The crowd became animated and waved their hands in the air as flames and smoke were let off from the stage, whilst Prince Charles was seen clapping after the set.

Ryder was closely followed by George Ezra who performed his songs Green Green Grass and Shotgun. However, he appeared to drop the lyrics ‘on the day that I die’ during the first performance.

The Duke of Cambridge was seen turning around and laughing in the royal box. Ezra told the crowd it was ‘an honour’ to play for them.

Sir Rod Stewart, wearing a yellow suit, sang ‘Sweet Caroline’ as the joyous crowd waved their flags and cheered. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children could be seen singing along to the song.

William and his son George sang the song from the royal box, as did Kate. Welcomed to the stage as a ‘rock legend’, Sir Rod urged the crowd to join in as he performed. He also sang Baby Jane.

Meanwhile, athletes Tom Daley and Jessica Ennis-Hill took to the stage and told of their pride at representing the UK at the Olympics.

Diver Daley said: ‘When we see that flag going up the flagpole, we know that the whole country helped send us victorious.’

Ennis-Hill said it was a ‘priceless’ feeling to have made the Queen feel proud.

It came after rapper and actor Doc Brown told of the country’s sporting achievements.

Duran Duran have given a colourful performance on stage as they paid homage to British fashion. As the new wave band performed their hit song Girls On Film, a catwalk of models paraded down a walkway in extravagant outfits.

The segment opened with a projection onto Buckingham Palace of the Queen, showcasing her style over her 70-year reign.

The Duchess of Cambridge meanwhile swayed side-to-side as Duran Duran performed their hit Notorious. The band was accompanied by performers Nile Rodgers and Ms Banks as they then played their single Girls On Film. 

Inspiration from traditional monarch style could be seen in the outfits, including crowns and trains galore.

The outfits also included a nod towards the corseted structured dresses of days gone by, revamped with loud colours and floral prints.

Regal-style dresses with volume in vibrant colours of hot pink and electric yellow also featured. 

Singer Alicia Keys performed her song Superwoman, which the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were seen applauding to. Keys then sang her song Girl On Fire.

Speaking to the crowd, she said: ‘You know when I’m in London, I feel like I’m home. It reminds me so much of New York. I love you London.’

She then played a transition of the City Of Gods before Empire State Of Mind.

Keys told the crowd: ‘If you believe in hope, this song is for you. We’re never going to let go of you.’

Throughout the Platinum Party, celebrities – including Daniel Craig, Sir Paul McCartney and Dame Julie Andrews – appeared in pre-recorded video clips to express their appreciation of the Queen’s service over her 70-year reign.

As part of the special Jubilee event, film footage of the Queen at her coronation was played with a voiceover of the monarch saying: ‘When I was 21 I pledged my life to the service of our people and I asked for God’s help to make good that vow. I do not regret nor retract one word of it.’.

It was followed by pre-recorded video messages from famous faces who spoke of their love for the monarch.

James Bond star Craig said: ‘Your Majesty, thank you for your continued presence in our lives, for your leadership, and for your unwavering grace and poise.

The actor, 54, also referenced the memorable sketch from the London 2012 Olympic Games opening ceremony where it looked like Craig had jumped out of a helicopter with the Queen.

Recalling the moment, he added: ‘I will follow you anywhere Mam, out of any helicopter door.’

Beatles star Sir Paul, 79, paid his respects to the monarch by saying: ‘I love you like many other people, so congratulations and thank you for 70 beautiful years.’

While former US First Lady Michelle Obama praised the Queen for the kindness she had shown her and her family.

She said: ‘I want to thank you for your genuine warmth to our entire family.

‘Whether you were welcoming a nervous First Lady to Buckingham Palace for the first time, or your extraordinary kindness toward our children.

‘I feel deeply honoured to have spent time with you over the years. Thank you Ma’am, for your remarkable example.’

Broadcasters Roman Kemp and Kirsty Young led the BBC’s live coverage of the event, which was broadcast on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and BBC Radio 2.

Reflecting on the Queen’s reign, Kemp, 29, said: ‘People don’t understand the actual service that gets put in sometimes, I think.

‘Over that amount of time, the things that she’s done for the country, in terms of bringing awareness to certain causes, bringing awareness to things that need to be shouted about and being able to back it up, whether it be finances or press or whatever, it’s been amazing.’

He also noted the tourism that the monarch brings to the UK, adding: ‘She basically travels to countries all around the world showing who we are as Brits and that’s something that should never be snubbed and it should be celebrated.’

Comedian Lee Mack introduced the final performance of the evening, Diana Ross. Ross sang her song Chain Reaction and then delivered a message for the Queen.

‘Hello, from all the people here tonight, and millions watching around the world, we have one simple message to you: Thank you,’ she said.

She then sang Thank You and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.

A Union Jack was projected on to Buckingham Palace and the Prince of Wales was seen clapping while Duchess of Cornwall waved a flag.

Ross then closed the show urging everyone to shout ‘Thank you’ to the Queen.

The Royal Ballet also featured during the special concert, with ballet dancer Lauren Cuthbertson saying it is ‘the most incredible feeling’ to have been selected to perform in honour of the Queen.

Other famous faces from the worlds of sport, stage and screen included Sir David Attenborough, tennis star Emma Raducanu, David Beckham, Stephen Fry and Dame Julie Andrews, with the evening also featuring a specially recorded performance from Sir Elton John.

Kate’s little helpers! Beaming Prince George, 8, Princess Charlotte, 7, and Prince Louis, 4, bake cakes with the Duchess of Cambridge for a Cardiff street party taking place today 

The royal Cambridge children have joined their mother, Kate Middleton, in baking cakes for a Cardiff street party, which is taking pace today to mark the Queen‘s Platinum Jubilee.

Adorable pictures posted online by the Duchess and Duke of Cambridge, showed Prince George, eight, Princess Charlotte, seven, and Prince Louis, four, making the treats in their kitchen ahead of the family’s visit to the Welsh capital yesterday.

‘Baking cakes for the local community in Cardiff to enjoy at a Platinum Jubilee street party taking place today! We hope you like them!, read the caption.

In the photos, the three children could be seen mixing the ingredients together before icing the cupcakes with the Duchess, who sported a £129 Brora pink gingham blouse.

Union Jack bunting could be seen hanging around the kitchen, while Charlotte was busy cracking eggs and Louis used a sieve to add in the flour to the cake mix.

George, meanwhile, could be seen helping his sister add in the ingredients. He wore a casual blue T-shirt and matching shorts for the baking session.

His brother Louis was in a similar T-shirt but with light blue shorts, while Charlotte wore a pink top with navy shorts before swapping into a white and blue striped T-shirt.

Yesterday George and Charlotte – for her first royal engagement – joined their parents for a visit to Cardiff Castle in Wales. 

Missing was Prince Louis who stole the show when he appeared on Buckingham Palace’s balcony with his family and the Queen after the Trooping the Colour ceremony on Thursday.

The family met performers and crew involved in a special Platinum Jubilee Celebration Concert taking place within the grounds of the castle, including Bonnie Tyler and Owain Wynn Evans.

William and Kate seemed to encourage their shy-looking children to shake hands and introduce themselves to dignitaries as they arrived in the Welsh capital. It is believed to be George and Charlotte’s first official royal visit.

The Cambridges and their children were also introduced to a number of West End performers, Rubicon Dance Company and the Wales Youth Choir for Good. 

Last night, George and Charlotte again joined their parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, during the Queen’s Platinum Party at Buckingham Palace. 

The family joined the nation in singing along to acts including Alicia Keys, Duran Duran and Craig David. Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, Zara and Mike Tindall and Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice and their husbands were also in attendance. 

Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex, who earlier that day carried out engagements in Northern Ireland, also watched on from the stands, along with their children Lady Louise Windsor, 18, and James, Viscount Severn, 14. 

Princess Anne, who today attended the Epsom Derby with her children and their respective partners, took her seat next to her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence. 

The Queen’s eldest grandchild Peter Phillips brought along his daughters Savannah, 12, and Isla, 11, who waved flags as the concert got underway. 

The Royal Family turned out to show their support for the Queen as she celebrates 70 years on the throne. While she was forced to miss out amid ongoing health struggles, she still managed to steal the show by starring opposite a computer generated Paddington Bear in a hilarious sketch to open the concert.  

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle did not attend the concert in person, and instead are believed to have watched the event in Windsor with the Queen. 

Prince William quoted Louis Armstrong’s song ‘What a Wonderful World’ as he paid tribute to the Queen’s efforts to help the planet during an environment-themed speech in front of Buckingham Palace for the Jubilee concert. 

The Duke of Cambridge praised his grandmother for her ‘hope’ in the future of the planet during a segment of the Platinum Party dedicated to the environment and featuring Sir David Attenborough.  

Prince William, who was greeted to the stage by people screaming ‘we love you’, also said he ‘feels so proud’ of his father Prince Charles, 73, and his late grandfather Prince Phillip for their work in championing the natural world.

He echoed the Queen’s words from her speech to the Cop26 UN Climate Change summit, when she said working together in a ‘common cause’ always gave rise to hope.

Prince Charles later took to the stage where he paid a moving, personal tribute to the Queen, calling her ‘Mummy’ and thanking her for being there for the nation in good times and bad for 70 years.