I don't suppose it has escaped many people's notice that this year marks 70 years since Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne. This weekend is a four day celebration of this unique Platinum Jubilee, with events in London and locally too. Whilst not getting terribly excited about it all personally (no bunting here!), I am nevertheless glad to have lived literally all my life under her rule and glad to live in a constitutional monarchy, which to me seems rather preferable to any of the alternatives, despite all its flaws. It's such a big thing that I felt I should make a blog post about it.
Thursday saw the Trooping the Colour military ceremony, an annual event since 1748, marking the official birthday of the British sovereign. This year the queen is too frail to take her usual role, so Prince Charles took her place, riding a beautiful black horse and flanked by Prince William and the Princess Royal. I sat and photographed the TV screen (as you do!) 😉. I do think the way we do these grand parades and events is rather special. I'm always amazed at the precision, the colourfulness and the sheer spectacle of them.
The colour (flag) this year was trooped by the 1st Battalion, Irish Guards, supported by 1200 soldiers from the Household Division (the military units who provide ceremonial and protection roles for the sovereign), massed bands and 240 horses. Below you can see Prince Charles (on the left) saluting the Household Cavalry.
The Royal Family travel in a parade of carriages down The Mall to watch the ceremony and then back up to Buckingham Palace. This year the Cambridges' three children were involved. Prince Louis was waving so enthusiastically that his big sister Charlotte had to intervene!
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After the parade, thousands of onlookers are allowed to fill The Mall - quite a sight.
Then there is the traditional 'balcony appearance' of the Royal Family, to watch a flypast of aircraft from the RAF, Royal Navy and Army - and happily the Queen was able to make an appearance.
I thought the encounter between Prince Louis and his great-grandmother was rather touching.
Quite a show! Those women have some great hats.
ReplyDeleteI watched a bit of it broadcast here by CNN...and was amazed at all the police (or whoever they are) lining the whole parade route to keep the public behind their lines. All the armed forces of Britain must have been out marching!
ReplyDeleteA fine spectacle. We all need a distraction these days.
ReplyDeleteQuite an occasion!
ReplyDelete70 years is certainly something to celebrate. Thank you for sharing these photos.
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