Jubilation!

Pomp, ceremony, and a jolly good time had by all! How the Windsors and the world came together to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's historic 70 years on the throne

- NICI DE WET

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.