As Queen Elizabeth II’s historic Platinum Jubilee kicks off, days-long celebrations in the UK will roll out this weekend. On Thursday, it all began with the Trooping the Color event, where the royal family arrived by carriage and stood on the balcony at Buckingham Palace to watch the annual flypast. As usual, there were regal fashions and cute candid moments from the royal family tots throughout the day.
To attend the Trooping the Color parade event, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton and their three children, Prince George, 8, Princess Charlotte, 7, and Prince Louis, 4, were all in attendance. Kate dressed in a sleek fitted white Alexander McQueen blazer dress, accessorized with a fascinator by Philip Treacy, and diamond and sapphire drop necklace and earrings that matched her engagement ring.
The parade was full of military pageantry, including several thousand officers and army musicians and 240 horses.
The royal family then appeared on the balcony, looking over the crowd and waving. Prince Louis, in particular, wasn’t too thrilled with the loud sounds, creating a very meme-able moment.
Queen Elizabeth II smiles on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping the Colour alongside Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Prince Louis of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Charlotte of Cambridge (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)According to CNN, on Thursday evening, 1,500 beacons will be lit across the UK in honor of the Queen. Friday, there will be a service at St. Paul’s Cathedral to pay tribute to the Queen’s 70-year reign.
Her Royal Highness is the first monarch to have a Platinum Jubilee, which commemorates 70 years on the throne. Saturday evening there will be a party at Buckingham Palace, where stars like Sir Elton John, Diana Ross, and the band Queen with Adam Lambert will perform. About 22,000 people are expected to attend.
Sunday will be the Platinum Jubilee Pageant where troops of dancers, musicians, and military walk down The Mall.
Among the festivities are awards as well. According to WWD, Stella McCartney, who was honored with the Order of the British Empire (OBE) Award from the queen in 2013, has now been named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
McCartney is recognized and praised for her work on environmental projects with Prince Charles, as well as her valiant efforts to make the fashion industry more sustainable.
The weekend is full of celebrations, and we can’t wait to tune in.
