IT WAS always expected to be quite something. Queen Elizabeth II has been on the throne for an unprecedented 70 years - a feat never before achieved in UK history and a milestone the world is unlikely to see again for generations.
Even the loftiest of expectations were surpassed by the splendour of the ceremonies, the fun of the festivities, and the sight of so many senior royals coming together in honour of a woman who is truly a queen for the ages.
And what a queen she is. The monarch warmed hearts the world over whenever she made an appearance - and reminded everyone just how devoted she is to her life of service and duty.
No expense was spared as Her Majesty's platinum jubilee was celebrated over a four-day weekend which nothing could spoil. Even the ultimate British party-pooper - the weather - played along, the predicted rain holding off as if by royal decree.
"The queen is an inspiring figure across the world," royal expert Jonathan Sacerdoti says. "Her length of service, her resilience, her admirable sense of duty, have all ensured she will be remembered positively in the history books.
"While she has also brought in change, Queen Elizabeth has provided us with something all too rare: a sense of consistency amid the chaos of world news."
She was the star of the show - even though, at 96 and with increasing mobility issues, there was much less of her to see during the long weekend.
But when she appeared the sightings of her were greeted by the deafening roar of the crowds that packed into The Mall leading to Buckingham Palace.
First up was Trooping the Colour, a display by the armed forces outside Buckingham Palace and an annual tradition to mark the monarch's birthday.
Prince Charles, Princess Anne and Prince William were all part of the parade, leading regiments on horseback as soldiers went through their drills.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة 16 June 2022 من YOU South Africa.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة 16 June 2022 من YOU South Africa.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
HOW TO BE YOUR OWN THERAPIST
With more and more of us struggling with our mental health, here's a common-sense guide to coping with life's ups and downs
SPUD: THE MAGIC CONTINUES
John van de Ruit tells us why he decided to write a sequel - and shares how his first book helped him find enduring love
SEX CONTRACT GONE WRONG
A Cape Town couple have been charged with using a young woman as a sex slave-but some say she lost the job she signed up for and now has a grudge against them
LIAM LAID TO REST
More than a month after One Direction singer LIAM PAYNE (31) tragically fell to his death from a balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, his loved ones finally got to say their goodbyes.
SHILOH HANGS OUT
THE two young women look like any pair of good friends chatting and laughing as they leave their dance class in Los Angeles.
LEO IN LOVE
He's just turned 50 and it seems Leonardo DiCaprio may finally be ready to settle down
PACKING A PUNCH
Irish actor Paul Mescal beefed up for his role in the blockbuster epic Gladiator II - and fans are loving it
I DIDN'T CHOOSE TO BE A LOVE CHILD
As the illegitimate daughter of the king, she fought to be recognised as part of Belgium's royal family, but Princess Delphine says she still feels unwelcome
'I STILL HAVE NIGHTMARES'
A bite from a spitting cobra 13 years ago nearly killed her but Mikayla survived - and she's made peace with her scars
THE CLAWS ARE OUT!
Things have grown frosty between the Beckhams and the Sussexes as Becks comes out in clear support of William