Looking back at a historic, viral and meme-able Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

ON Sunday, Queen Elizabeth II brought to an end her historic Platinum Jubilee celebrations, on the last of four days of festivities.

The 96-year-old monarch, who first sat on the throne in 1952, has had a few health issues as of late, but was able to greet huge crowds after the Trooping the Colour military parade.

Dressed in green with a matching hat, her white gloved hand clutching a walking stick, she was flanked by the three future kings, namely her son, grandson and great grandson: princes Charles, William and George.

In a statement issued shortly after, the monarch said she had been "humbled and deeply touched" by the turnout for her Platinum Jubilee celebrations and "inspired by the kindness, joy and kinship that has been so evident in recent days".

Britain's longest-serving sovereign added: "While I may not have attended every event in person, my heart has been with you all; and I remain committed to serving you to the best of my ability, supported by my family."

In the run up to the ending, the island nation, who once ruled over a global empire during the Queen’s youth, pulled out all the stops as it celebrated its history and the impending end of an era. 

Here are some of the more memorable events:

RAF fighter jets form ‘70’ in the sky in during military flyover

The Royal Air Force formed the number 70 above London during the Trooping the Color spectacle event on Thursday, roaring over London and the queen who smiled and waved. The Red Arrow demonstration squadron of the Royal Air Force also flew during the celebration, leaving trails of red, white and blue behind them. 

Prince Louis with the faces

Prince Louis, the four-year-old youngest child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, was a very demonstrative presence on the Buckingham Palace balcony over the course of the celebrations. 

The aforementioned flyby led him to apparently scream as he closed his eyes with his hands over his ears. He also made faces, saluted, and waved to the adoring crowds. 

The queen, have marmalade sandwiches with Paddington Bear

Having met with James Bond during the opening ceremony to the 2012 London Olympics, the queen is no stranger to meeting with British pop culture royalty. Still, it was a pleasant surprise when the monarch sat down with Paddington Bear to trade jokes over marmalade sandwiches.

Light show and concert at Buckingham Palace

‘Thank you Ma’am’ lit up the sky above Buckingham Palace on Saturday night alongside a star-studded music concert that featured Alicia Keys, Queen and Diana Ross, among others. Airborne drones formed the shape of a giant corgi and a huge floating teapot and teacup. Probably the most British thing ever. 

A golden carriage to close out the massive street carnival

Among the last moments of the four-day weekend, the famed Gold State Coach appeared to close out the celebrations at the Jubilee Pageant, a carnival involving children and art groups from local communities. 

With the benefits of technology, the queen’s head appeared as a hologram inside the carriage with footage from her coronation in 1952 playing out on a window.

Pulled by eight horses, the rarely seen coach is 24 feet long and weighs four tons, featuring engraved lion heads, palm trees and cherubs on its roof.

A little Malaysian flavour

Members of the 1st Battalion, Royal Malay Regiment marched down the mall outside Buckingham Palace during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee pageant military parade yesterday.

In addition, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah congratulated Queen Elizabeth II on her Platinum Jubilee celebration.

The last time the king and queen paid a courtesy call to Elizabeth was on December 13, 2019 when they attended a luncheon at Buckingham Palace, London. – The Vibes, June 6, 2022