Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee 2022: Queen says she is 'deeply touched' by jubilee celebration

The queen is the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee.

ByKatie Kindelan and Yi-Jin Yu
Last Updated: June 5, 2022, 2:13 PM EDT

The U.K. threw a once-in-a-generation celebration for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee.

The 96-year-old queen is the first British monarch in history to reach a Platinum Jubilee, which marks 70 years on the throne.

Elizabeth ascended to the throne on Feb. 6, 1952, following the death of her father, King George VI.

The queen's Platinum Jubilee celebration included everything from Trooping the Color to a National Service of Thanksgiving, a star-studded concert led by Diana Ross, thousands of lunches and street parties across the country and a final appearance by the queen herself.

Latest updates:

Here is how the news developed. All times Eastern.
Jun 02, 2022, 6:48 AM EDT

Where are Prince Harry and Meghan?

Prince Harry is sixth in line to the British throne but is not playing an active role in this year’s Trooping the Color.

Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, stepped down from their roles as senior, working royals in 2020.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend an event on Sept. 25, 2021, in New York City.
NDZ/Getty Images

This year, Queen Elizabeth II, Harry’s grandmother, decided that only royal family members “currently undertaking official public duties” on her behalf would join her at the traditional appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping the Color.

Harry and Meghan, who now live in California, are watching the proceedings with other members of the royal family from the Major General’s Office, an office in Buckingham Palace that overlooks the parade ground, according to their spokesperson.

Jun 02, 2022, 6:44 AM EDT

Princes Charles, William ride on horseback

Prince Charles and his son, Prince William, the heirs to the throne, rode in the Queen’s Birthday Parade on horseback, following tradition.

Prince Charles (C), Prince William (L), Duke of Cambridge ride their horses along The Mall during the Queen's Birthday Parade, the Trooping the Color, as part of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations, in London on June 2, 2022.
Ben Stansall/AFP via Getty Images

Prince Charles’s sister, Princess Anne, was also spotted on horseback while other members of the royal family rode in carriages.

The public will get their first sight of Queen Elizabeth when she appears on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

Jun 02, 2022, 6:23 AM EDT

Pomp and pageantry on display at Trooping the Color

British tradition is on full display as the Queen’s Birthday Parade makes its way to Buckingham Palace.

The parade includes 1,400 soldiers and 10 military bands marching and playing in unison.

PHOTO: The Household Cavalry ride during the Trooping the Color parade at Buckingham Palace, June 2, 2022, in London.
The Household Cavalry ride during the Trooping the Color parade at Buckingham Palace, June 2, 2022, in London.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth II plays a ceremonial role as the head of the U.K.’s Armed Forces. Each member of the British military swears an oath of allegiance to Her Majesty.

The Band of the Welsh Guards pass members of the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery on their way to the Queen's Birthday Parade, the Trooping the Color, as part of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations, June 2, 2022, in London.
Paul Ellis/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Trooping the Color is the military’s opportunity to impress its commander in chief with all its precision, pomp and pageantry.

Jun 02, 2022, 6:22 AM EDT

George, Charlotte and Louis make surprise carriage appearance

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, the children of Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, made their debut at Trooping the Color on Thursday riding in a carriage.

The siblings sat in a carriage alongside Kate and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

Louis sat in the center flanked by his older siblings, George and Charlotte, as they waved to the crowds.

The royal children during the Trooping the Color during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in London, June 2, 2022.
Stephen Lock/i-Images via Polaris

Prince George of Cambridge, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge during the Trooping The Color - The Queen's Birthday Parade, London June 2, 2022.
Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

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