Britain went on full holiday on Saturday to honor the 70s on the throne of Queen Elizabeth II, kicking off a palace concert featuring a number of stars, including Diana Ross and Andrea Bocelli.
The concert, the culmination of the third day of public events to mark the 96-year-old monarch’s record platinum anniversary, saw 22,000 ticket holders pack a specially designed 360-degree stage in front of the Queen’s central London residence.
Tens of thousands of others crowded downtown as millions watched on television as Queen + rockers Adam Lambert opened the star show with performances of “We Will Rock You,” “Don’t Stop Me Now” and “We Are The Champions.”
“It’s a great honor for us and we’re extremely happy to be here, it means a lot to us,” said guitarist Brian May.
May provided one of the most enduring characters of the 2002 anniversary, playing “God Save the Queen” on the roof of Buckingham Palace.
When Saturday’s concert began, the monarch surprisingly appeared on screen, taking part in a comedy pre-recorded scene, drinking tea with a favorite children’s book and a movie character of the British bear Paddington.
“Happy anniversary, ma’am, and thank you. For everything, the bear told her.
“It’s very kind,” the queen replied before the couple began beating the drum beat of “We Will Rock You” on their silver spoon tea plates.
– “Spring” –
The legend of Motown Ross – playing for the first time in Britain in 15 years – Italian opera star Bocelli and James Bond composer Hans Zimmer also had to come out later in the evening.
Ross, who is heading to the Glastonbury festival this month after Saturday’s concert, said she was “absolutely pleased to receive an invitation to a concert on such an important occasion.”
Crown Prince Charles has previously revealed that the disco hit of the 78-year-old diva “Upside Down” from 1980 is one of his favorite songs.
Others who will take the stage include Alicia Keys, Rod Stewart, George Ezra and 2022 Eurovision runner-up Sam Ryder. Elton John recorded a tribute.
The Queen, the longest-serving monarch in British history, did not attend the two-and-a-half-hour event in person, but watched television at Windsor Castle.
On Thursday, the first day of the festivities, she made two public appearances in front of huge crowds on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, and then traveled to Windsor to attend a lighthouse lighting ceremony.
After months of struggling with walking and standing, her efforts have left her “somewhat uncomfortable,” Buckingham Palace said.
She withdrew from Friday’s Thanksgiving church service and missed The Derby Saturday’s flat demonstration for the fourth time since 1952.
– ‘It binds us’ –
Charles, 73, and his eldest son, Prince William, 39, joined other dignitaries in the royal box to watch the concert and were expected to address the crowd.
But Prince Harry and his wife Megan, who sensationally left British royal life for California in January 2020 but are visiting for the anniversary, were especially absent.
It was the birthday of their second child, Lilibet, on Saturday, with the Queen wishing her great-granddaughter a “very happy first birthday” on Twitter after reportedly meeting her for the first time in recent days.
The jubilee celebrations began on Thursday with the pomp and spectacle of the Trooping the Color military parade to mark the sovereign’s official birthday.
The focus on Friday was the traditional service of the Church of England, led by dignitaries – and the returning Prince Harry and his wife Megan – in the illuminated setting of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Britain held public holidays on Thursday and Friday to mark an unprecedented stage in the Queen’s rule, which focuses on the future of the monarchy without her.
Longer working hours of pubs, street parties and other festive events have temporarily removed the darkness of the growing cost of living crisis.
“I’m proud of the UK and it’s nice to be able to celebrate too,” London bus driver June Davis said in Windsor on Saturday to enjoy the atmosphere.
“The queen is a constant thread throughout our lives, she connects us all together.”
On Sunday, millions of people will share food at the “Big Jubilee Lunch” picnic and take part in a musical and creative public competition with a team of 10,000 people.
Ed Sheeran will end the festivities on Sunday by singing his 2017 hit “Perfect” … AFP
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