LONDONERS are set to "light up" the city for the Platinum Jubilee as they unite to celebrate the Queen's "outstanding reign and service", Boris Johnson said today. Visitors from around the globe will flock to the capital to pay tribute to her unprecedented 70 years as Britain's head of state, he added.
As people across the capital were preparing for a bonanza of bunting-strewn street parties, the Prime Minister wrote in the Standard: "With the first Platinum Jubilee ever, no monarch has served the country so long and, more importantly, no monarch has ever served it so well.
"Over the coming days, this city will light up and celebrate the national unity and pride that connects us all, showcasing the best of British, embodied by Her Majesty the Queen herself. With every concert and every street party, may we all rejoice in celebrating the love, devotion and leadership that has made her well and truly Elizabeth the Great."
The Queen, the nation's longest-reigning monarch, is expected to make a double appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony at the start of the celebrations after Trooping the Colour on Thursday, and after the Pageant parade finale on Sunday. Her Majesty, 96, is also hoping to be able attend the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral on Friday, with her wider family including, it is expected, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the Duke of York.
The Queen, who has been on a prejubilee break resting in Balmoral has been facing episodic mobility problems in recent months. This led her to miss a number of major events this year, including the State Opening of Parliament.
This story is from the May 30, 2022 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 30, 2022 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Why are England wasting time waiting for Tuchel?
Winning the World Cup is the aim, so the new boss should start now
He's been shot, and punched by Mike Tyson, but British boxing's great survivor is back on top and aiming to rule the world
This is where the magic happens,\" reads a big neon sign scrawled across the entrance to the offices of arguably the most powerful man in British boxing today.
How Sketch went from 'obscene' to era-defining
After arocky start, the glamorous and infamous restaurant is now an institution
Money is worth less than time'
He's quit Fendi, but what will Kim Jones do next?
London's Roman Amphitheatre
Guildhall Yard, EC2V
Liberals didn't notice they'd lost relevance in the all-consuming digital sphere
There are many reasons why Donald Trump might have won the election last week.
Do we have to die?
One neuroscientist thinks the answer is no
How to have a magical Christmas in Edinburgh
From cosy cobblestone streets to abundant Yuletide goings-on, few cities rival the Scottish capital in creating Christmas whimsy.
London's best festive restaurants
The social season is upon us once more. These are the city’s most coveted Christmas venues, which need to be booked soon so as to not miss out on the tinsel and tipples.
Rag'n'Bone Man
I struggle with being recognised... I'll never really feel comfortable with it'
