The Queen has said she is 'inspired' by the goodwill shown to her as she thanked the nation on the eve of her historic Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The special message was released as millions across the UK prepare to gather in her honour for four days of tributes this weekend.
The Queen, 96, said “many happy memories” would be formed during the festivities, which will start tomorrow, June 2. The nation’s longest reigning monarch also touched on her hope the Jubilee weekend would provide an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the last seven decades.
She also spoke of looking to the future with “confidence and enthusiasm”. Her message comes at the start of the extended bank holiday weekend, which will celebrate Elizabeth II and her 70-year reign.
READ MORE Things to do in Greater Manchester over the Queen's Jubilee bank holiday weekend
The Queen said: “Thank you to everyone who has been involved in convening communities, families, neighbours and friends to mark my Platinum Jubilee, in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth. I know that many happy memories will be created at these festive occasions.
“I continue to be inspired by the goodwill shown to me, and hope that the coming days will provide an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved during the last seventy years, as we look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm.”
The Queen’s official Platinum Jubilee portrait was unveiled along with her message, showing the monarch, looking contented and happy, photographed in her Windsor Castle home. The image was taken by photographer Ranald Mackechnie in the Victoria Vestibule in the Queen’s private apartments at Windsor.
The Queen, who at the age of 96 has mobility problems, has been pacing herself ahead of the commemorations. The extended weekend begins with the traditional Trooping the Colour military spectacle on Thursday, involving more than 1,500 officers and soldiers and 350 horses from the Household Division.
In the evening, more than 3,000 beacons will be set ablaze across the UK and the Commonwealth, including in Manchester. Here are all the places you can see them across Manchester.
There will be no ceremonial journey to the service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral for the Queen on Friday, and the monarch, if she attends, will use a different entrance rather than scaling the steep steps.
And the Queen’s planned visit to Epsom for the Derby on Saturday is off, with members of the royal family attending on her behalf.
In the evening, the BBC’s Party at the Palace – set on three stages in front of Buckingham Palace – will entertain a live crowd of 22,000 people and a television audience of million, with tributes from Charles and WIlliam. The line-up includes Diana Ross, Queen + Adam Lambert, Alicia Keys, Nile Rodgers, Andrea Bocelli, Duran Duran, Bond composer Hans Zimmer, Ella Eyre, Craig David, Mabel, Elbow and George Ezra.
On Sunday, millions will gather for patriotic street parties, picnics and barbecues, with more than 85,000 Big Jubilee Lunches being held across the UK. Here's where street parties are happening in Manchester.
