Derby Day markes the start of Diamond Jubilee celebrations
The Queen has watched the Derby at Epsom, having earlier driven on the race course to begin the first major event of the Diamond Jubilee weekend marking 60 years of her reign.
Racegoers cheered as the royal motorcade arrived at the winning post. Mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins then sang the national anthem.
Meanwhile, gun salutes echoed across London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.
Street parties were held in numerous locations, with more planned later.
The Queen, wearing royal blue, was accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh along with their sons the Duke of York and Earl of Wessex, and granddaughters Beatrice and Eugenie.
After some time in the royal box, she went to the paddock to inspect some of the horses running in the Diamond Jubilee Coronation Cup.
After the race she awarded the cup to Aidan O'Brien, the trainer of the winner St Nicholas Abbey, as well as meeting the horse's owner and jockey.
About 130,000 people were estimated to be at Epsom, according to Surrey Police.
The Queen's motorcade toured the race course as she arrived for the Derby video
The favourite Camelot won the Derby, giving Aidan O'Brien his fourth straight Classic winner, following victory for his horse Was in the Epsom Oaks on Friday, and Camelot's 2,000 Guineas win and the triumph of Homecoming Queen in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket in May.
Singer Jenkins said of her performance: "I don't think I've ever actually sung the anthem just as close. I mean, she was literally a few feet away from me. So this is definitely a day that I will never forget."
Meanwhile, crews of a 1,000-strong flotilla have been putting finishing touches to their vessels in preparation for their role in escorting the royal barge along the Thames on Sunday for the Jubilee flotilla.
One skipper, Rob Salvidge from Ramsgate, said the excitement among his fellow sailors was building.
"Tomorrow this river is just going to be full of a who's who, really, of all sorts of interesting ships - great and small, old and new - from the history of Britain and also the history of the monarchy... celebrating the Jubilee."
Among other items of Jubilee news:
- Up to 6,000 extra police officers will be on duty throughout the events and celebrations in London
- A campaign to rename the tower housing Big Ben for the Queen has received the backing of the majority of MPs
- Traffic heading for Dover ferry port came to a standstill for a time as eight-mile queues built up as part of the bank holiday getaway
- Seven thousand security stewards will be on the banks of the Thames during Sunday's flotilla
- More than 300 applications have been made to close roads for street parties in Wales
- Hillsborough Castle has been the focal point for celebrations in Northern Ireland, with a 21-gun salute, fly-past and medal ceremony
- Thousands of Jubilee revellers attended London's Hyde Park for the first of the two-day Jubilee Family Festival
- The crowds saw scenes from West End shows Billy Elliot the Musical, The Lion King and War Horse. There were also appearances from some of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing stars including Chelsee Healey and Robbie Savage
This post was modified from its original form on 02 Jun, 14:17
Beacon lighting
Millions of Britons are expected to take part in Jubilee parties, outdoor concerts and fairs being staged across the country over the weekend.
On Sunday, in what is being called the Big Jubilee Lunch, people all over the UK are being encouraged to share lunch with neighbours and friends in street parties or picnics to bring communities together.
On Monday, a concert will be held in front of Buckingham Palace in the area surrounding the Queen Victoria Memorial, with performances from artists including Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Elton John, Jessie J, JLS and Ed Sheeran.
When it ends at 22:00 BST, more than 4,000 beacons are due to be lit in the UK and around the world.
Some 200 beacons will be lit in Wales to mark the occasion. First Minister Carwyn Jones paid tribute to the Queen, saying: "It is right to say that this is a truly historic occasion, and I get a real sense that across Wales it is being embraced by people from all walks of life and different communities."
The Queen will light the UK's last beacon - the National Beacon - at about 22:30 BST, to be followed by a firework display at Buckingham Palace.
ent
The real Diamond Jubilee Fairytale would of course have been a winner for the Queen at the start of the Jubilee weekend - the Derby is the one race that has eluded her.
But she had no runner this time round so it was left to a father/son partnership to provide the winning story.
Aiden O'Brien trained Camelot; his son Joseph rode him to victory. Rarely had there been such a hot favourite for the Derby.
The bookmakers may have been disappointed, but for the Queen it was an ideal start to the Jubilee weekend.
When it comes to racing the Queen is no idle spectator. The sport is her passion, from breeding to training to racing.
She watches the Derby with an expert eye and appreciates it when a horse of the calibre of Camelot emerges.
Sounds like big fun to me!! Interesting to read that the Queen enjoys the horse racing as well as breeding and training of horses.
Diane, Horse Racing has always been known as the Sport of King's, Lovely day in London for my first day, going down tomorrow for some more enjoyment
I envy you, Ray. I would love to be there witnessing all of this and having fun myself. I'm happy the weather is beautiful there.
I'm a tad jealous that I'm not there!
Ray, I do as well. I would so have enjoyed this wonderful time to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. It has been a long time since a monarch has had this opportunity in the UK. So glad you are getting to enjoy the celebrations. You are going to have to do a thread for us of your own experience and the things you saw and did while there. It would be so interesting to have your perspective on the celebrations.
Diamond Jubilee: River Thames pageant to honour Queen
The Queen's Diamond Jubilee weekend will reach its peak later on Sunday with a colourful River Thames pageant
Hundreds of thousands of people will line the banks of the river to watch the Queen cruise past on a royal barge escorted by a 1,000-strong flotilla.
The event to mark 60 years of her reign promises to be the most spectacular nautical event in London for 350 years.
Millions more Britons are expected to take part in Jubilee parties, outdoor concerts and fairs across the country.
The Queen, Duke of Edinburgh and other senior royals will travel from Albert Bridge to Tower Bridge aboard a lavishly adapted royal barge - the Spirit of Chartwell - decorated with almost 1,000 cut flowers.
Dunkirk small ships
As the pageant begins at 11:30 BST with mustering at Hammersmith and Battersea bridges, the Thames barrier will be lowered to slow the river's flow.
The spectacle, along a seven-mile stretch, will end some six hours later when the last boat passes Tower Bridge.
Adam Kerr, the skipper of a restored 19th Century Cornish fishing lugger, the Barnabas, sailed 400 nautical miles to take part.
"It's going to be wonderful, I think it's going to be a pretty colourful spectacle," he told the BBC.
"I'm sure they're very worried about the security of boats crashing into each other, I think we'll be okay - we're a pretty well controlled boat, good crew and nice engine to drive us along."
The £10m cost of the event has been met by private donations but the security costs will be paid for by the taxpayer.
The anti-monarchy group, Republic, has said it will hold a demonstration against what they call an unelected, unaccountable monarch.
BBC weather forecaster John Hammond said pageant watchers should wrap up with waterproofs and wind proofs amid temperatures of around 11C.
He said party-goers in most of England and Wales should expect cloud and the threat of rain, whilst Scotland and Northern Ireland would be dry with some sunshine.
A collection of small ships used to rescue stranded troops from the beaches of Dunkirk in 1940 will also take part in the river event.
It will be led by the Motor Torpedo boat 102, the flagship of the officer who co-ordinated the evacuation on the scene.
A boat carrying eight specially cast Jubilee bells will lead the water-borne procession, and churches along the river bank will return the peel as it passes.
Later on Sunday, Prime Minister David Cameron will attend a Jubilee party in Downing Street.
And around the country, a community initiative called the Big Jubilee Lunch will encourage people to share food with neighbours and friends in street parties or at picnics.
On Monday, a concert will be held in front of Buckingham Palace in the area surrounding the Queen Victoria Memorial, with performances from artists including Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Elton John, Jessie J, JLS and Ed Sheeran.
When it ends at 22:00 BST, more than 4,000 beacons are due to be lit in the UK and around the world.
The Queen will light the UK's last beacon - the National Beacon - at about 22:30 BST, to be followed by a firework display at Buckingham Palace.
Page 1
Thames pageant: Key times
11:30 BST: Vessels begin mustering at Hammersmith and Battersea bridges
1410 BST: Queen arrives at Cadogan Pier
14:30 BST - Queen boards Royal Barge. Steam train, Princess Elizabeth, whistles a salute from Chelsea Bridge
14:40 BST: Jubilee Bells mark official start of Pageant
15:00 BST: Royal Barge joins flotilla, church bells ring out
16:15 BST: Queen disembarks at Royal Naval Reserve Unit HMS President to watch flotilla pass by
17:30 BST: Last vessel, Symphony, passes Tower Bridge. Pageant ends and boats disperse
Diamond Jubilee Thames Pageant cheered by crowds
More than one million rain-soaked people have watched the Queen's 1,000-boat Diamond Jubilee pageant weave its way along the Thames,
organisers say.
The Queen's barge travelled among the flotilla of tugs, steamers, pleasure cruisers, dragon boats and kayaks.
The London event was the highlight of the Jubilee weekend, but a fly-past was cancelled because of the weather.
Some 10,000 people joined a Greenwich street party, one of many in the UK marking 60 years of the Queen's reign.
The pageant - believed to be the Thames's most spectacular in 350 years - started at Albert Bridge with the ringing of Jubilee bells at 14:40 BST and ended as the last vessel completed the seven-mile route to Tower Bridge just after 18:00 BST.
The Queen, dressed in a white hat and a silver and white coat designed by Angela Kelly, travelled on the Spirit of Chartwell, which was decorated with 10,000 flowers from the royal estates.
She was accompanied by her family, including the Duke of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
A boat carrying eight specially-cast Jubilee bells led the water-borne procession, with churches along the river bank returning the peal as it passed. There were 10 musical barges, carrying choirs and orchestras.
The Spirit of Chartwell left Cadogan Pier once the rowing boats in the flotilla had safely passed. Leading the rowing boats was the million-pound row barge Gloriana, with Olympic gold medallists Sir Matthew Pinsent and Sir Steve Redgrave among its 18 rowers.
A collection of small ships used to rescue stranded troops from the beaches of Dunkirk in 1940 also took part, led by the Motor Torpedo boat 102, the flagship of the officer who co-ordinated the evacuation.
Some 20,000 people were thought to have been in the boats of the flotilla, which travelled at 4 knots (4.6 miles) an hour, with the Thames barrier closed to slow the river's flow.
A huge cheer went up whenever the royal barge came into the crowds' sights. Hungarian Laura Konig, 34, who lives in the London borough of Sutton, said: "I really enjoy the music. When the boats with bands come by it's brilliant and the atmosphere is so cool. The weather could be better but apart from that it's an amazing day."
The Queen smiled at the sight of a life-size puppet horse - from the play War Horse - which was running along the rooftop of the Royal Festival Hall. The Queen pointed out the performance to Camilla.
Dozens of spectators at Tower Bridge were disappointed as security staff blocked off pathways due to fears of overcrowding, more than an hour before the flotilla was due to arrive.
Video
Tower Bridge raised as the royal barge approached, with heavy rain returning to the London skies as it moored to allow the Queen to watch the rest of the flotilla pass.
The final music barge carrying members of the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal College of Music Chamber Choir stopped next to the royal barge for a short performance.
As it played a nautical tune, the Queen bobbed slightly, while the Duchess of Cornwall moved in time to the music.
The Guinness World Records said the pageant had set a new world record for the largest parade of boats, surpassing the previous record of 327 in Bremerhaven, Germany, last year.
BBC Big Screens transmitted live coverage of the pageant in 22 locations around the UK including Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Middlesbrough.
Prime Minister David Cameron paid tribute to the 86-year-old Queen during an interview on BBC One's Andrew Marr programme earlier, saying: "Her insight and her sharpness is extraordinary and I don't see any sign of her working less hard." His own Jubilee party in Downing Street was moved indoors because of the weather.
In Piccadilly, central London, before the pageant, the BBC's Sangita Myska said there had been a "huge crush" as well-wishers flocked to greet a surprise visit by the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall to a street party where 500 tables had been set up.
In other news:
- Jubilee weekend trains into the capital were affected byovercrowding.
- Organisers say six million people took part in tens of thousands of Big Jubilee Lunches across the UK in an initiative encouraging people to share food with neighbours and friends in street parties and picnics
- Morecambe, Lancashire, was aiming for the longest street party by beating the 1.5 miles (2.4 km) event held in Combe Martin, Devon, for the Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002
- Almost 9,500 road closure applications have been made across England and Wales, with Hertfordshire topping the street party list with 451 event licences
- A third of all of Scotland's street party applications have been made in Edinburgh, where 10 official events were scheduled
- Hundreds of street parties took place in Wales but the weather forced some to be postponed. The beach party at Rhosneigr, close to the Anglesey home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, was rained off, but celebrations moved indoors
- Jubilee events are being held across the Commonwealth. In the Arctic, explorers from Devon are holding a party. In New York, 10 UK-registered yachts will fly union jack spinnaker sails in a salute. In Afghanistan, troops at Camp Bastion held parties complete with bunting
Another lovely day all though I was soaking wet, but no different than normal in Britain, it does make me proud to be British, we have 2 bank holidays been Monday and Tuesday so I will be in London again, what about the Euro-zone mywife says, stuff the euro-zone I say,
Europe got themselves in the mess, let Europe get themselves out of it, beside I say, nothing to do with me, I am British and proud of it.
yes Ray, mywife say, but it going to the Dogs, going to the dogs, I say, the Euro-zone gone to the dogs not going, abit like Obama, limited Political life span, I say.
Ray, what a wonderful experience and I am so pleased that you took it in. It is something that you will never experience again and so it is well worth the effort to be there to experience it. Yes, you have a right to feel pride in being British.
Diamond Jubilee: Pop royalty to play for Queen
The Queen's Diamond Jubilee will be marked with a star-studded concert in front of Buckingham Palace later.
Sir Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder and Sir Elton John are among the artists, and Madness will perform on the roof.
The audience will comprise of people who got tickets in a public ballot and those from charities with royal links.
At the end of the show, the Queen will light one of the last of around 4,500 beacons across the globe - in celebration of her 60-year reign.
In the afternoon, prior to the Jubilee concert, 10,000 ballot winners and VIPs will have a picnic in the gardens of Buckingham Palace.
The concert follows Sunday's spectacular River Thames pageant which attracted hundreds of thousands of rain-soaked people to watch the flotilla of 1,000 vessels.
The Queen travelled in a barge alongside senior members of the Royal Family as street parties were held around the country.
Buckingham Palace has told the BBC the Royal Family were "touched" at the turnout, despite the weather.
The A-list concert, which starts at 19:30 BST (18:30 GMT) and will be broadcast by the BBC, also includes Robbie Williams, Ed Sheeran, JLS, Kylie Minogue, Sir Tom Jones, Jessie J, Dame Shirley Bassey and Annie Lennox.
And it will feature a special song - sung by 200 people from around the Commonwealth - co-written for the occasion by Gary Barlow and Lord Lloyd Webber.
Motown legend Wonder has said: "It's an honour to celebrate The Queen. It's an honour to celebrate Great Britain. The time is overdue that I meet Her Majesty."
The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry will join the Queen at the concert.
Pop veterans Madness will play their hit Our House on the roof of Buckingham Palace - echoing Queen guitarist Brian May's performance of the National Anthem in 2002 for the Golden Jubilee.
After the musical tribute, the Queen will greet the crowds and set the national beacon ablaze.
At 22:30 BST (21:30 GMT), she is scheduled to place a crystal glass diamond into a special pod, triggering the lighting of the last beacon in The Mall.
Beacons will be lit throughout the evening in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, the Commonwealth and other overseas territories.
Bruno Peek, pageantmaster of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee beacons, said: "We set out to have 2,012 beacons, which would have been the most ever for this type of occasion.
"To have reached double that figure reflects the national and worldwide respect and affection for the Queen and the desire to celebrate her 60-year reign."
The network of beacons across the UK will be placed on historic landmarks, hill-top vantage points and famous mountains.
An artist's impression of the stage, designed by architect Mark Fisher
Beacons will also be placed on the battlements of the Tower of London, and at St James's Palace, Lambeth Palace, Windsor Castle, Sandringham, Balmoral and Holyroodhouse.
Sixty will be lit in sequence on Hadrian's Wall - one for each year of the Monarch's reign.
And the highest peaks of the UK's four nations will be lit up by teams from four charities.
Help for Heroes will conquer Ben Nevis in Scotland, Walking With The Wounded will climb Snowdon in Wales, Cancer Research UK will scale England's Scafell Pike and in Northern Ireland, Field of Life will go up Slieve Donard in County Down.
The hotel in Kenya where the Queen was told in 1952 of her father George VI's death - which meant she would become the monarch - will also light a beacon.
The first of the beacons will be lit on the south Pacific island of Tonga, while Tristan da Cunha, a British territory in the South Atlantic, is the location for the most remote lighting.
Like the conclusion of the Thames pageant, the evening will end with a firework display.
- The Diamond Jubilee Concert will be shown on BBC big screens in 22 towns and cities throughout the UK. Find your nearest screening here..
See all the latest Diamond Jubilee news and features atbbc.co.uk/diamondjubilee
Diamond Jubilee beacons
- About 4,500 beacons will be lit in the UK, Commonwealth and overseas territories
- Beacons in the UK and British dependencies will be lit in stages between 22:00 and 22:30 BST
- The Queen will light the National Beacon near Buckingham Palace at 22:30 BST
- Overseas beacons will be lit at 22:00 local time in countries including Canada, Australia and Kenya
- Two types of Beacons are used: Bonfires and the church tower beacon fuelled by bottled gas
- Beacons were lit on Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897 and for 1977's Silver Jubilee
After a pageant on the Thames - where the elements weren't kind but the enthusiasm of the spectators was undimmed - a change of scene and tempo.
At the end of the Golden Jubilee concert, Sir Paul McCartney asked the Queen, "Are we doing this next year?" "Not in my garden" came the regal reply.
Ten years on, she's had her way. The concert will be staged outside the palace gates. The official guests will reflect the changes in a decade.
Camilla Parker Bowles is now the Duchess of Cornwall and a future queen. Rupert Murdoch was invited last time. Will any newspaper proprietors be invited this time?
At the end of the concert, the Queen - who at 86, probably won't sit through all of the performances and who may well come armed with ear plugs as she did in 2002 - will light one of the last of more than 4,500 beacons around the world.
We watched the festivities on TV yesterday and it looks so exciting. While you have the royal family to bring your country closer together, we are stuck with "The Amateur." To say I am envious would be an understatement!!
Thanks for keeping us updated. This is quite a spectacular event!
"Are you up to speed on all things royal? In honor of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, we've put together some trivia questions about Britain's royal family. Scroll through to see how much you know about the monarchy, past and present."
Go to:
Sandy, thanks for this link. I won't have time at work today but will when I get home. Ray has spent endless hours educating us over the past year and if we fail...."there's going to be some splainin to do, Lucy."
I saw the great flotilla on the Thames via BBC-America -- from the time Queen Elizabeth boarded the launch to go to the royal barge which in itself was a most impressive sight -- looked like a floating garden topside. Also what impressed me was that she stood for the whole journey! (And of course noone else sat.) Loved the Tower Bridge "full rise for the Queen". The event played straight through (no ads) and I watched until the Queen disembarked with her see-through brolly.
There were lots of followup programs about royal histories, weddings, etc. -- one event caught my eye, that was when the Queen hosted a birthday luncheon for 99 commoners who were born on exactly the same day as herself. (I was born on the same day, different year, so I wouldn't have qualified. So near and yet so far.)
Sandy, great link and I just got through playing a bunch of them. Didn't do too bad thanks to Ray's tutoring of late. There are so many intersting quizzes, trivia and well worth checking it out. Ray, I challenge you to the quizzes to see how well you did. LOL
This has been the most entertaining experiences, Ray and I am so ever grateful to you; all the information on the Diamond Jubilee and the history lessons on past monarchy. Your history is so much older than ours, but so linked to our ancestory. Thank you and please don't stop.
I had a really great day out so much happening and anyone coming together, and having a great few days, it was an event that I could not and should not miss at anytime, these sort of events only happen every so many life time, I so pleased that with been a Brit, it has happened in my life time, if someone have had told me, a few years ago, what I would be doing and where I would be going in 2012, I would never believe them.
I have had some great fun and lots of laughts made new friends some Brits some are not,
I am now home completely wornout but it was too good to miss, I have alot of updating to do, so if I may leave you with the Queens Palaces this is on the BBC Iplayer, please note this can only be viewed upto another 5 days after which the BBC do remove the programme
Thousands of people turned out to witness the Diamond Jubilee Pageant - the biggest spectacle on the river Thames for more than 300 years.
At London's Battersea Park, hundreds of people queued in the rain for a prime spot to watch the 1,000-boat flotilla.
Lorna Gordon joined some of the spectators at the park who were trying to catch a glimpse of the Queen and planning their Jubilee holiday.
Millions of people around the world are holding parties to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
As well as being head of state for the United Kingdom and for 15 Commonwealth realms, Queen Elizabeth II heads the Commonwealth itself.
You have been sharing your stories of celebrations across the globe from the US to the South Pacific.
Antony Jinman, on Mount Barbeau, Canadian Arctic
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A Jubilee party was held on the summit of Mount Barbeau, in the Canadian Arctic.
For this year's Jubilee I have conquered the summit of Mount Barbeau in the Canadian Artic with my expedition group.
The group consisted of Oli Milroy - a staff member of Education Through Expeditions, which is based in England.
Two Plymouth University students, a local businessman, a Canadian mountaineer and a member of the Candian Inuit tribe.
I led the expedition and I am so proud we have successfully climbed the highest point of the Queen Elizabeth Islands.
At 19, Oli Milroy is the youngest person in history to climb this peak.
We are now readying our loyal greeting for the festivities back home and preparing for the world's most remote Diamond Jubilee tea party.
concert
Performers at the Jubilee concert have been gathering backstage as thousands gathered in The Mall to watch the musical event outside Buckingham Palace.
The Queen and other members of the Royal Family are attending the concert featuring artists from her 60 year reign. The Duke of Edinburgh will miss it after being taken to hospital with a bladder infection.
Among those taking part Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, and Madness, who will perform from the roof the palace.
Philip missing concert
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The Duke of Edinburgh has been taken to hospital with a bladder infection, to the disappointment to members of the public gathered outside Buckingham Palace for the Diamond Jubilee concert.
One member of the public, speaking to the BBC's Tim Willcox, said the news was "sad for the Queen because it is her special weekend".
Prince Philip, who is 90, has been taken to the King Edward VII Hospital in London from Windsor Castle as a "precautionary measure".
He will miss the Diamond Jubilee concert at the palace - being attended by 12,000 people - but the Queen will still go, a palace spokesman said.
A huge fireworks display followed the Queen lighting the last of over 4,000 beacons
The Queen's Diamond Jubilee festivities continued as thousands of beacons were lit across the UK following a concert at Buckingham Palace.
The Queen lit the final beacon from the concert stage after Sir Paul McCartney topped the bill.
More than 4,000 beacons were ignited across the Commonwealth.
Beacons in Tonga and New Zealand were the first to be lit and Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard set off the fire in Canberra.
Across the UK, beacons were lit on landmarks and hills - including the peaks of Ben Nevis in Scotland, Snowdonia in Wales, Scafell Pike in England and Slieve Donard in Northern Ireland.
The Queen lit the National Beacon before a firework display at Buckingham Palace.
Fireworks and music
The Duke of Edinburgh was not able to attend the concert celebrations after he was taken to hospital with a bladder infection.
A beacon was also been lit on board HMS Daring, one of the Royal Navy's new Type 45 destroyers on operations east of Suez.
Commanding Officer Captain Guy Robinson, led his ship's company in sending congratulations to the Queen.
The beacon at Mow Cop Castle, Staffordshire, was part of a chain of fires across the UK
More than 600 church tower beacons marked the occasion.
Many communities across the UK organised special events around their beacon lighting, with fireworks and music.
At Abbey Park, in Leicester, a lantern parade with fire sculptures was on display with a beacon.
A 30ft (9.1m) wooden sculpture of Britannia was also set alight, in East Hoathly, East Sussex.
Three weeks of work and three lorry loads of wood went into making the female warrior, complete with trident, shield and helmet.
more here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-18297618
This post was modified from its original form on 05 Jun, 2:46
Ray grabbed some much needed sleep and asked me to post the above articles for him which I was happy to do.
Ray,many of us are watching the festivities during the day and are excited to see such royalty being praised in the UK.
This is truly a spectacular event!
Prince Charles has paid tribute to the Queen following a rousing concert to mark her Diamond Jubilee.
Thousands of people joined the senior royals at the concert outside Buckingham Palace.
He said the sad thing about the event was that his father, the Duke of Edinburgh, was unable to attend after being taken ill, after which the crowd could be heard chanting the duke's name.
The Prince of Wales thanked the Queen for 'making us proud to be British'.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18324080
The video is so wonderful and well worth viewing. Please go to this link to find it.
Artists including Sir Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder and Robbie Williams have performed for the Queen at the Diamond Jubilee concert outside Buckingham Palace.
The Queen, dressed in a black cloak, was helped to her seat by Prince Charles at 21:00 BST, when she joined concert-goers an hour-and-a-half into the celebration.
The concert was brought to a close by Sir Paul McCartney who played hits including Magical Mystery Tour, Let It Be and a spectacular rendition of Live and Let Die, complete with fireworks and explosions.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18326333
This video is equally entertaining and wonderful. You can see the reactions from the Royal family.
he Queen's Diamond Jubilee concert came to a close with the lighting of the Jubilee beacon.
More than 4,000 beacons were lit across the Commonwealth and beacons around the UK were set off on landmarks and hills.
A huge fireworks display was held over Buckingham Palace after the concert.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18327402
And here is a video of the fireworks.
Crowds began camping out in the Mall on Monday night to ensure a good view of the Queen on Tuesday as Jubilee celebrations continue with a service of thanksgiving and a glittering carriage procession.
Eager campers said they knew the cold wait would be worth it.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18328151
Another video; you certainly can tell that the people love the Queen and this is a very important celebration for the British people; and rightfully so.
Royalists have been camping out and braving the rain in the early hours so that they can be at the heart of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
The BBC has been speaking to some of them to find out how they have been coping with the chilly conditions and why they wanted to be part of the occasion.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18321004
Another video.
Prince Philip in hospital and misses Diamond Jubilee concert
The Queen ended the Diamond Jubilee concert outside Buckingham Palace by lighting a beacon in The Mall
The Duke of Edinburgh has been taken to hospital with a bladder infection and will miss the rest of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
Buckingham Palace said Prince Philip, 90, had been taken to the King Edward VII Hospital in London from Windsor Castle as a "precautionary measure".
The Queen joined 12,000 others at the Jubilee concert at the palace.
The prince will remain in hospital under observation for a few days.
He had appeared to be in good health when he accompanied the Queen on Sunday on the royal barge the Spirit of Chartwell, which formed part of the rain-drenched Jubilee river pageant.
Beacon lighting.
He and the Queen stood for most of the 80-minute journey, as they were accompanied by 1,000 boats travelling seven miles down the river to Tower Bridge.
The prince, who had treatment for a blocked coronary artery in December and turns 91 on Sunday, missed Monday's concert and will not attend the national service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral on Tuesday.
Prince Philip was disappointed to miss the concert, Buckingham Palace said
The Queen, dressed in a black cloak, was helped to her seat by Prince Charles at 21:00 BST, when she joined concert-goers an hour-and-a-half into the celebration.
She ended the concert by pressing a diamond-shaped crystal, igniting a beacon in The Mall marking her 60 years on the throne.
Other beacons had earlier been lit across the UK and the Commonwealth.
Diane and Linda, May, I thank you for posting these reports for me, I need a rest for while, I was completely worn-out, I know I could have easy watched it on TV, but that is not the same as been there in person.
there is a number of further updates of reports that I must post shortly, thank you again for your help.
I do feel so for Prince Philip missing the Jubilee Concert it was very sad, I am somewhat concerned with him been in his 90's, and suffers from Cancer, this is the second time within the last 7 months he as not been at the Queen side, the first was Christmas last, Prince Philip remains in hospital as Jubilee events end, however it has been reported that Prince Philip 'feeling better' - Earl of Wessex.
Queen meets performers from the Jubilee concert
The Queen met performers from Monday night's Jubilee concert at an after-show party in Buckingham Palace.
Stars including Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Elton John spoke with the Queen about the concert and congratulated her on reaching her Diamond Jubilee.
The performers, who included musicians and comedians, also used the occasion to meet some of their own heroes and take some photographs.
Today the Queen attends Diamond Jubilee thanksgiving service
A special service of thanksgiving has been held at St Paul's Cathedral, on the final day of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations. In his sermon, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, praised the Queen for 60 years of selfless dedication, marked by a "joy in the happiness of others".
David Cameron's St Paul's reading The prime minister has given a reading from the Bible during a service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral on the final day of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations. David Cameron's reading came from the New Testament, Romans 12 1-18.
God Save the Queen sung at St Paul's Cathedral The congregation have sung the national anthem, God Save the Queen, at the conclusion of a service of thanksgiving. The ceremony at St Paul's Cathedral began events on the final day of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
This post was modified from its original form on 05 Jun, 10:39
Diamond Jubilee: Queen's procession in open carriage
The Queen has taken an open-top carriage procession from Westminster Hall to Buckingham Palace on the final day of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
Instead of the Duke of Edinburgh, who was taken to hospital on Monday with a bladder infection, she was accompanied by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18331678
Thanks to all of you who have been bringing the UK across the Pond so that we could participate in the celebrations that are going on. I wonder if the US of A is ever going to have as lengthy and wonderful a celebration as has been going on over in England.
And by the way, Ray, are we going to be owing you an OVERTIME CHECK for all of your efforts???
Thanks for all you do in helping us to stay abreast of the goings on over on your side of the big pond.
Jim
Diamond Jubilee: Flypast brings celebrations to an end
World War II aircraft and the Red Arrows conducted a flypast over Buckingham Palace Video
Four days of Diamond Jubilee events have culminated in an appearance by the Queen on the Buckingham Palace balcony in front of huge crowds.
There was also a flypast by World War II aircraft and the Red Arrows.
The Queen had earlier attended a service at St Paul's Cathedral where the Archbishop of Canterbury praised her "lifelong dedication".
But her consort, Prince Philip, has been absent from her side as he remains in hospital with a bladder infection.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex visited the Duke of Edinburgh on Tuesday afternoon.
Afterwards, Prince Edward said: "He's feeling better." The countess added: "He's in good spirits; he's on good form."
Afterwards, Prince Edward said: "He's feeling better." The countess added: "He's in good spirits; he's on good form."
The Queen has recorded a two-minute message of thanks to the nation which will be broadcast at 1800 BST on radio and television in the UK and across the Commonwealth.
'God save the Queen'
Crowds built up from early morning outside St Paul's and Buckingham Palace.
There was a fanfare as Her Majesty, wearing a mint green outfit of fine silk tulle, embroidered with tiny star-shaped flowers, arrived at St Paul's for the service at 10:30 BST and the crowds chanted "God save the Queen".
Prime Minister David Cameron, who gave a reading, led the large representation from the government, military personnel and members of the royal household, at St Paul's alongside diplomats and foreign leaders.
Following the service at St Paul's, the Queen attended a reception at nearby Mansion House - the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry were at a similar event at the Guildhall.
All of the senior royals then moved on through crowd-lined streets to a lunch at Westminster Hall where they dined on salmon, followed by Welsh lamb, grilled Isle of Wight asparagus, Jersey Royal potatoes and chocolate delice, bread and butter pudding and berry compote with apple sauce.
60-gun salute
The Queen travelled in an open-topped coach with the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall back to Buckingham Palace.
Princes William and Harry and the Duchess of Cambridge followed in a second coach.
Queen's procession in open-top carriage procession
Video
They were led along The Mall by soldiers from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, and the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, then fired a 60-gun salute.
The day culminated with an appearance by the Queen and other senior royals on the balcony for the flypast, which had been in doubt due to the threat of bad weather.
The BBC's Gerry Holt, on The Mall, said the deafening sound of the flypast drowned out the crowd's cheers. She said that after the Red Arrows had passed overhead there were cries from youngsters of "The sky's turned red, white and blue!"
BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt said the choice to have only six members of the Royal Family - the Queen, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, Princes William and Harry and the Duchess of Cambridge - sent a message demonstrating both continuity and restraint at a time of austerity.
Among other Jubilee news:
- The Archbishop of Canterbury praised the Queen for dedicating herself to the service of her nation and the Commonwealth. He said the Queen had put aside "selfish goals" and dedicated herself to public service, honouring countless communities and individuals and referred to Prince Philip, saying "our prayers and thoughts are very much with him"
- US President Barack Obama also paid tribute to the Queen, calling her "a steadfast ally, loyal friend and tireless leader". He said that throughout her "60 extraordinary years" she had been "a loyal witness" to the unique alliance between his country and the UK "and the chief source of its resilience"
- Ministers are being urged to look into reports that unemployed people hired as unpaid stewards for the Diamond Jubilee pageant ended up having to sleep outside and change in the rain
- Southampton is hosting a Diamond Jubilee celebration involving Cunard cruise ships the Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria but a display from the Red Arrows has been cancelled as a result of poor weather
Ray, I am so pleased that you were able to participate in the pageantry and pleasure of this special time. I wish I could have visited as well. What a historic event this is and I am glad that we are able to view it even if it is from afar.
Diamond Jubilee: 21-gun salute at Guernsey's Castle Cornet
Barack Obama's message of congratulations to the Queen
US President Barack Obama has paid tribute to the Queen, calling her "a steadfast ally, loyal friend and tireless leader".
He said the Queen is a "living witness" to the power of the alliance between the US and UK.
Video http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18333391
Diamond Jubilee: Queen 'humbled' by celebrations
Queen Elizabeth II: ''It has touched me deeply to see so many thousands of families, neighbours and friends celebrating together''
(Video)
The Queen has called her Diamond Jubilee "a humbling experience", saying she had been "touched deeply" by seeing so many people celebrating together.
In a message to the nation, she thanked all those who organised the events.
Festivities culminated in an appearance by the senior royals on the Buckingham Palace balcony in front of huge crowds to watch an RAF flypast.
But the Queen's consort, Prince Philip, was absent from her side as he remains in hospital with a bladder infection.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex visited the Duke of Edinburgh on Tuesday afternoon.
Afterwards, Prince Edward said: "He's feeling better." The countess added: "He's in good spirits; he's on good form.
"
'Happy atmosphere'The Queen's message was broadcast on television and radio across the UK and Commonwealth.
"The events that I have attended to mark my Diamond Jubilee have been a humbling experience," she said. "It has touched me deeply to see so many thousands of families, neighbours and friends celebrating together in such a happy atmosphere.
"But Prince Philip and I want to take this opportunity to offer our special thanks and appreciation to all those who have had a hand in organising these Jubilee celebrations.
"It has been a massive challenge, and I am sure that everyone who has enjoyed these festive occasions realises how much work has been involved."
She added: "I hope that memories of all this year's happy events will brighten our lives for many years to come.
"I will continue to treasure and draw inspiration from the countless kindnesses shown to me in this country and throughout the Commonwealth. Thank you all."
Earlier on Tuesday, the Queen attended a thanksgiving service at St Paul's Cathedral where Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams paid tribute to her "lifelong dedication".
"I don't think it's at all fanciful to say that, in all her public engagements, our Queen has shown a quality of joy in the happiness of others," he said.
'Tireless leader'
David Cameron, who gave a reading at the service, called her "a real inspiration".
"We have seen the country come together with a sense of celebration and unity but also tremendous resilience, resilience from people who want to celebrate despite the weather and resilience, of course, from Her Majesty - nothing stops her doing the job she does," the prime minister said.
US President Barack Obama was among those who payed tribute to her "60 extraordinary years".
In a specially recorded message he called the Queen "a steadfast ally, loyal friend and tireless leader" and said she had been "the chief source of resilience" for the unique alliance between his country and the UK throughout her reign.
Page 1
In other Jubilee events on Tuesday:
- Crowds gathered from early morning to cheer the Queen on her journey from Buckingham Palace to St Paul's
- The congregation at the cathedral included a large representation from the government, military personnel and members of the royal household, alongside diplomats and foreign leaders
- After the service, the Queen attended a reception at nearby Mansion House - the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London
- The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry were at a similar event at the Guildhall
- All of the senior royals then enjoyed a lunch at Westminster Hallbefore embarking on a carriage procession through packed streets back to the palace
- The day ended in an appearance by the senior royals on the palace balcony to watch a flypast by World War II aircraft and the Red arrows
The flypast had been threatened by the sort of bad weather and poor visibility that forced the cancellation of a similar event on Sunday.
But to the delight of the tens of thousands gathered on The Mall - who had surged forward to get as close to Buckingham Palace as possible - it went ahead as planned.
Other events during the extended Jubilee weekend included a star-studded concert outside Buckingham Palace on Monday night.
At the end the Queen came on to the stage to press a diamond-shaped crystal into a pod, igniting a beacon in The Mall to mark her 60 years on the throne. It was one of more than 4,000 lit across the UK and the Commonwealth.
On Sunday, about a thousand boats took part in the Diamond Jubilee Thames River Pageant, the first of its kind for 350 years.
Analysis
After Monday's party, today was a more sedate tribute to the Queen.
The Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral was a celebration of 60 years of loyal service and commitment.
In his sermon, the Archbishop of Canterbury spoke of the Queen's "years of utterly demanding yet deeply joyful service". His words are a reflection of the mood throughout the Jubilee celebrations.
Thousands again descended on central London for the ceremonial part of the weekend's festivities - especially the Royal Family's appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
I have spoken to many people over the past few days about how they view the Queen. Some have been royalists, some far from it. But nearly all have held the Queen in high regard.
The days events have been marked though by the absence of the Duke of Edinburgh. For 60 years he has been at the Queen's side at almost every ceremonial occasion. Today she has been without him.
Page 2 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18333624
My favorite picture was on Yahoo -- the entire royal family! And William and Kate looked like the future king and queen. She is so striking and dressed in red from head to toe - quite beautiful.
I did notice that of the 49 pictures presented by Yahoo that Fergie was no where to be seen. And I didn't see any pictures of Prince Andrew.
Sorta wondered about that!
this link is to a SPECIAL REPORT
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17500000
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The official website of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee
Send a message to The Queen
This page is for members of the public wishing to send a congratulatory message to Her Majesty on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee.
Please ensure that you complete all mandatory fields below (marked with a red star) before submitting your message. You will receive a confirmation email once your message has been received.
http://www.thediamondjubilee.org/send-message-queen
This post was modified from its original form on 05 Jun, 12:59
Prince Andrew, Beatrice and Eugenie make surprise visit to Jubilee lunch
Jun 4 2012 By Poppy Bradbury
THE drizzle did nothing to dampen spirits as the Duke of York and princesses Beatrice and Eugenie made a surprise visit to a Big Lunch at one of the oldest churches in Fulham.
Prince Andrew and his daughters were welcomed by excited crowds at All Saints Church in Pryors Bank
In a speech to the crowd, the duke said: "It is an enormous pleasure to be here and join you at your lunch. This is such a wonderful atmosphere and expression of loyalty to Her Majesty.
"Beatrice, Eugenie and I are delighted to be included in your event, and we would like to express our gratitude and say you are included in our event as well."
They arrived a few hours before the royal barge departed at Battersea to lead the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant down the Thames.
Despite the gloomy weather, flags were flying high and hundreds of guests tucked into tea and cake as the Fulham Brass Band played the national anthem.
The duke looked distinguished in his navy best as he greeted residents. Princess Beatrice wore a silver and black dress with silver hat while younger sister Eugenie impressed in a simple peach fishtail dress and black sequined fascinator.
Father Joe Hawes said it was an honour to welcome the royals, saying: "We're most thrilled, completely honoured and very surprised that they are taking the time to do this when they have to be on a boat in half an hour. It's really important for them to come to our community event, which is amazing for us."
The Duke was impressed by one very patriotic outfit, a Union Jack rain coat worn by Geraldine Fisher. The 65-year-old said: "I never thought my 9 Primark jacket would get so much attention."
She added: "I live in Florida in America but am still a full British citizen. My brother lives in Putney so I made sure I flew over to be here for the Jubilee celebrations."
Tara Jane, I maybe able to you in relation too Fregi, I found a report dating back to May this year, I hope this is of help to yourself
Turkish court hearing in Duchess of York secret filming case
A hearing has taken place in Turkey in a court case in which the Duchess of York has been accused over the secret filming of orphans for a documentary.
Sarah Ferguson is being defended by a Turkish legal team but has declined to go to Ankara for the trial.
She is accused of violating the privacy of children during the filming for ITV.
The duchess has previously apologised for any offence, but says she stands by the 2008 documentary's conclusion that ill-treatment was taking place.
If found guilty, she could be sentenced to more than 20 years in prison.
BBC correspondent Jonathan Head says the duchess has made it clear she will not return to Turkey and British officials have insisted there is no possibility of her being extradited.
Tied to beds
Posing as an aid worker, the duchess accompanied a television crew into a state orphanage in Ankara.
Scenes were recorded of alleged ill-treatment, including emaciated children tied to their beds and left in cots all day.
She visited a second institution in Istanbul with her daughter Princess Eugenie, who said conditions endured by the children there had "opened her eyes."
The documentary - which also included footage of children filmed in Romania - was broadcast on ITV1's Tonight programme in Britain in November 2008.
It provoked an angry reaction from Turkish politicians, who accused the duchess of being involved in a campaign to tarnish their country's reputation.
Human rights record
BBC presenter Chris Rogers, who was part of the ITV programme team in 2008, said they knew it was against Turkish law to film in secret, but that the public "needed to know."
Speaking earlier this year, Mr Rogers, who is also charged with invasion of privacy, said there was "a strong public interest argument for us to do this" because Turkey might join the EU soon.
Mr Rogers said Turkey has been told it must improve its human rights record, before it can become a full member of the European Union.
When charges were first laid in January, the duchess said she had gone purely as a mother, and was "happy with courage to stand by the film."
The trial could last for several months.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17956643
Princess Royal unveils Diamond Jubilee Wood plaque
Are the French secretly in love with Britain’s royals?
A 19th-Century French ship took part in the river pageant on Sunday
In republican France, you might have thought that the fanfare of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee would have passed almost unnoticed.
Far from it. The pomp and pageantry of the British Royal Family hold a surprising degree of fascination for the French.
The Jubilee was extensively covered by the French media and some 3.6 million viewers watched a three-and-a-half hour live Jubilee special on France 2 television on Sunday afternoon.
"It's a very good score," said Yannick Letranchant, the executive behind the programme. "We got 26.3% of the audience, despite the French Open tennis tournament being on at the same time on another channel."
Since the Royal Wedding last year and the success of the film The King's Speech the British monarchy has been "a la mode" in France.
The wedding was broadcast live, not just on one but on three French television channels, and Mr Letranchant said it attracted huge audiences. Many offices in Paris all but came to a standstill as people took time out to watch it.
"Whenever we cover a royal event, we get pretty good ratings," Mr Letranchant said. "It's partly out of curiosity, it's picturesque and original, a bit exotic, a real-life fairy tale. And there's a certain respect for the Queen."
Despite the nation's revolutionary history, France's Fifth Republic, with its powerful president, echoes some of the trappings of monarchical grandeur.
'Reassuring' tradition
The French have long been enchanted by the British royals - and their counterparts in Monaco. For decades they have been regular fixtures in the stylish celebrity magazine Paris Match.
In the days leading up to the Jubilee, several television documentaries and programmes about the Queen were broadcast in France.
"There is no doubt that the French are more interested in the British Royal Family than they are in other European royals," said Marc Roche, London correspondent of Le Monde newspaper and the author of two books about the monarchy.
Many French tuned in to a lengthy Jubilee special on Sunday afternoon
"It is as if the French had never recovered from chopping off the heads of their own royal family," he said. "They don't know much about the Queen, but they like the pomp and circumstance, they like the grandeur of the institution."
Many French people also see it as a reassuring constant in a changing world, said Mr Letranchant.
"Times are hard in many parts of the world and it's a means of escape," he said. "The Queen has lived through history, while French presidents and British prime ministers have come and gone."
But Mr Roche said the French are distinctly uncomfortable with what they see as some of the "undemocratic" associations of the monarchy.
"For a lot of French people, it represents the class society, opposed to Europeanism," he said, describing the British monarchy as one of the "most anachronistic institutions in the world".
For Mr Roche, the Queen's position as head of state not just of the United Kingdom but of 15 other Commonwealth countries, most of them former British colonies, has been a "sizeable psychological obstacle" to the UK's attachment to Europe.
In a reflective article about the Jubilee in Le Monde, he argues that the Queen remains a symbol of the old imperial Britain, even if opinion polls show that she has never been as popular as she is today.
Celebrations were in full swing at the British embassy in Paris
Desire for grandeur
Three years ago the former French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, found himself in a diplomatic spat after not inviting the Queen to the 65th anniversary of D-Day commemorations in France.
Mr Sarkozy's critics claimed he had wanted to make sure that public attention focused on him and US President Barack Obama, and the presence of the Queen could have detracted from that.
Many French people believe that Mr Sarkozy's personal style while in office failed to match the dignity they demand from a president.
"What the French really want is a president who acts with dignity and grandeur, in other words, a king," said marketing executive Therese Joly. "But these days, presidents can often be seen as mere celebrities, while the royals seem to offer something more."
Jean-Francois Lascaux, manager of a clothes shop in Paris, said the Jubilee was "mythical".
"It was splendid, the spectacle of a thousand boats on the Thames was like a painting by Canaletto or Whistler.
"Mr Sarkozy's critics claimed he had wanted to make sure that public attention focused on him and US President Barack Obama, and the presence of the Queen could have detracted from that."
The truth is the Queen would've absolutely stolen the show. True Royalty always trumps mere celebrities.
Diane and Linda this thread is almost complete, however, there will be more pomp in the next few days with the Trooping of the Colour,
My next visit to London will be in September for the Last Night of the Proms, this year I will be going and I hope Thom Hampson is singing Rule Britannia as he was in 1998, this will indeed make my year.
by the way the Euro 2012 starts on Friday this week, England are in group D, their first match/Game will be on Monday next against France at 17:00, so I will be busy from 16:55 until the following morning.
so I may need help in posting should I fall behind on updating my threads, if may ask yourselves for help by way of posting a few updates for me.
Can't thank you enough, Ray, for your dedication to Political Derby and I will be happy to post some topics for you!
Ray, the same for me. Anything I can do to help you I will do and don't hesitate. I have to agree Mr. Sarkozy and Obama would not get a speck of attention if there was a chance to celebrate with the Queen on her Jubliee; this is an occasion that has not taken place in over 100 years and the other two don't hold a candle to the attention the world has placed on Queeen Elizabeth's jubilee. Hands down, it is the show of the year for pleasure. The next best, Ray, will be the report on November 7 that Mitt Romney has won the electiona and will be our new president. Please, God, let that happen, please.
