A large crowd joyfully celebrates the unique reign, devoting the first day to its ties to the armed forces
A sea of people, as described by the BBC, has gathered around Buckingham Palace and other monarchy and government buildings in central London this Thursday to take part in ‘Trooping the Colour’, the parade that marks the beginning of Isabel II’s Platinum Jubilee acts, marking her seven-decade reign.
The morning was sunny with temperatures around twenty degrees. The four-day break has also prompted Britons from elsewhere to travel to the capital. There were tourists in Piccadilly and people shopping in Mayfair. But the subways were overcrowded and a large proportion of passengers got off at stations near the Jubilee events.
They are said to have heard the Queen’s message by now: “I am still inspired by the good wishes to myself, and I hope that the coming days will provide an opportunity to reflect on all that has happened over the past 70 years. And I also hope that we look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm.” He encouraged his subjects to create fond memories during the feast.
The Queen’s Birthday Honors List was also published. On various dates, the monarch announces appointments to the Order of the British Empire. Scottish detective novelist Ian Rankin is now a knight, with the title Sir. And Sir Salman Rushdie, a novelist renowned for his literature and persecuted by fundamentalists, is promoted to Companion of Honor. Former Real Madrid footballer, Gareth Bale, has also been awarded.
Striking was the variety of social ranks or skin colors in the streets next to The Mall, where the parade takes place every year. And among the crowd was Denise, a businesswoman and circular economy consultant.
“I love that he’s been on the throne for 70 years,” he said. “I didn’t expect to be queen when I was a kid, but she’s always remained solid, unlike other members of the family. It’s nice to join in this atmosphere, for such an extraordinary party. That won’t happen again in the coming years.”
How did you manage to keep it up for so long? “I think he has adapted to the changes to some extent, but has remained true to his principles. He promised that he would devote himself to serving the country as long as he lived. And keep working. Every week he receives the Prime Minister to check the papers and everything else. He has always been respectable and people have respected him. As a woman I am very proud of what she has done.”
Along St. James Street, the crowd descends with the strange idea of reaching the eponymous palace and approaching The Mall. Strolling through the neighborhood, around Christie’s auction house, there are wonderful art dealers. The door of the Fine Art Commissions is open. It is an agency that connects painters, especially portraitists, with their clients.
For the recent portrait of Elizabeth II by one of her artists, Nicky Philipps, Sam Parker Bowles explains the circumstances of the anniversary: “I don’t think it will ever happen again. It is extraordinary that the Queen gave her life to this country. Next up is Prince Charles and he will be in his seventies when he comes to the throne. And then there’s Guillermo… So I don’t think it will happen again in my lifetime. It’s a special occasion.”
Elizabeth II and the British Royal Family are the image most identified with the monarchy around the world. What happens if he dies? “It will be very sad,” said Parker Bowles. “But I think Prince Charles will also be a good monarch. He has had time to be ready, and I think he will be ready. But it will be very sad.”
This Friday will be all about faith, but Thursday it was up to guns. Parade and military bands, 82 gunshots, military aircraft as the Trooping auction. The Queen on the balcony of Buckingham Palace with uniformed princes and other relatives. Enrique and Meghan are said to have watched the parade from a house around the esplanade.
In Trafalgar Square two couples in their sixties wearing ‘British’ hats and flags. They are from Somerset. Why? “Because I’m proud to be British and I love the Royal Family, and this is a historic day,” said one. “And the Queen has done extraordinary things for our country,” said her friend. Give me examples: “She’s been head of the Commonwealth, she’s brought crowds of tourists, she’s been an ambassador of the country”, … they’re right.
Why are you proud to be British? “Because we have a fantastic history, I think more history than most places in the world,” replies the first. “And we’re a nice and helpful people,” her friend adds again. These are very important matters, but the most urgent thing for these four happy patriots right now is to find service in such a crowd.
Source: La Verdad
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