Britain Gears Up For Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee

Britain is all set to celebrate as Queen Elizabeth becomes the longest reigning monarch in Britain’s history. Therefore, a four-day celebration will take place in the British capital this week to celebrate the Queen’s record-breaking 70 years on the throne.

The four days of events will begin on Thursday, June 2nd with the traditional “Trooping the Colour” military parade in central London, which will be followed by a flypast of modern and historic aircraft. The queen is also due to make an appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to greet the crowds, although her son Prince Andrew and grandson Prince Harry – will be absent as this year the balcony is reserved for working royals only.

Friday, June 3rd will see a thanksgiving service at London’s St Paul’s Cathedral, while on Saturday the queen is due to attend the Derby horse race with other family members. Later on that day, there will be a concert outside Buckingham Palace, featuring the rock group Queen, pop band Duran Duran and US singer Diana Ross. Finally, celebrations will come to an end on Sunday, with street parties and a pageant through London.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth in parliament last week. “I hope that in the coming days we can … show with every bonfire, with every concert and street party and aerobatic display, a love and a devotion to reciprocate the love and devotion and leadership she has shown to the whole country over seven decades,” he said.

During her seven decades on the throne, the queen has been a symbol of stability for the country during huge changes including social, economic and political change, and of course the end of the British Empire.

“Not only has your majesty been a constant presence in the lives of most of your subjects, but you are also the third-longest serving monarch in world history,” the Speaker of parliament’s House of Commons said in a statement.