Platinum Jubilee II Isabella Thursday opens with a grand Trooping the Color parade
The celebration begins with the Trooping the Color, a storied royal ceremony that marks the queen’s birthday each year. The procession features officers and soldiers from the Household Division, 240 horses, and a marching band of hundreds of musicians from the Army. Aircraft from the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy will greet the crowds from the sky. The event is a major tourist draw and culminates with balcony views at Buckingham Palace. Participation by the monarch during this long weekend depends on health and mobility. As night falls, memorial torches light up thousands of locations across the United Kingdom and Commonwealth realms.
Thanksgiving
On Friday, St Paul’s Cathedral hosts a ceremony that welcomes royalty, government officials, diplomats, and other dignitaries. The Queen is depicted as a devout believer who has long placed her trust in God. The ceremony does not include the Archbishop of Canterbury due to health concerns involving the archbishop’s respiratory illness. Elizabeth’s son, Prince Andrew, remains absent from royal duties in light of recent scandals. The eagerly anticipated return of Enrique and Megan is noted, marking their first visit to the United Kingdom after moving to the United States.
The scene at the cathedral is solemn and ceremonial, capped by the presence of senior royals and international guests. The public may observe the traditions that accompany a modern monarchy as it reflects on service and unity.
On Saturday, the queen and other members of the royal family attend horse racing events, including the famous Epsom Derby, an international competition for purebred horses. The procession features many riders and dignitaries who honor the queen’s long reign. In the evening, a concert takes place outside Buckingham Palace with performances by renowned artists, drawing tens of thousands of guests and attendees from around the world. Notable performers are part of a celebration that blends tradition with contemporary entertainment.
Lunch with neighbors
Sunday brings a communal flavor to the celebrations as tables line streets across the capital for street meals with neighbors. Thousands are invited to participate in these public dinners, and a large number of hosts register to host meals as part of the event’s inclusive spirit. A cavalry procession of tens of thousands of participants will traverse central London for several hours, recalling the queen’s 70-year reign. The weekend concludes with the royal family appearing on the palace balcony for a final, ceremonial gaze over the city, signaling the end of the parade and the celebrations.