Scotland Yard acting chief Sir Stephen House said it will be his officers’ privilege to keep Londoners and tourists safe during Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Thousands of police are being deployed over the four-day bank holiday at high-profile events near Buckingham Place and at some of the 1,000 street parties to mark The Queen’s 70 years on the throne.
Officers on ceremonial duties include the Mounted Branch riding down The Mall and boat units patrolling the Thames.
Others are expected to line routes and manage crowds.
Acting Met Commissioner Sir Stephen said in a Letter to London: “We have a proud history of supporting Royal events during the reign of Her Majesty, starting with the Coronation in 1953.
“This is a period of national joy and we have the privilege and responsibility to do all we can to ensure it can be enjoyed in a safe and secure manner.”
Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe and Deputy Assistant Commissioner Barbara Gray are in overall charge.
📺 | We’re proud to be leading London’s #PlatinumPolicing operation so people can enjoy this once in a lifetime event.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) May 30, 2022
In the run-up to and during the #PlatinumJubilee you’ll see more policing activity than usual, ensuring everyone can enjoy the celebrations safely and securely.
The force’s Protection Command is responsible for the safety of the royals and will throw a ring of steel around official events.
A former counter-terrorism officer said police will have to “think the unthinkable” to protect the monarch and thousands attending street parties where roads are closed for picnics and barbeques.
Retired Detective Chief Inspector Chris Phillips, ex-head of the National Counter Terrorism Security Office, said: “You always have to look at the worse-case scenario, that’s what you train and practice for, but you don’t want it to happen.
“There’s lots of events, they’re as good a target as any. An attack on a street party in Hampstead is still an attack on the Jubilee.
“You try and keep unrestricted vehicles away from crowds as much as you can but that’s pretty difficult in London and other major cities.”
Mr Phillips, who policed both Chares and Diana’s wedding in 1981 and their son William’s to Catherine in 2011, added: “Despite the scale of Jubilee celebrations, this is no big issue for policing in the UK who do it all the time. We’re well practiced.
“There’s always concerns when crowds gather, as we saw at the Champions League final in Paris at the weekend.
“But for all the officers on duty, they will be proud to serve and protect the Queen. You know it’s going to be extremely long days.
“It’s about maintaining a security ring around the principal and then other rings around venues, making sure only the right people get in.”
