Tens of thousands of revelers swarmed Buckingham Palace and the surrounding streets to watch the Platinum Jubilee concert featuring a star-studded lineup of musical guests as the royals sang along to their favorite songs and the Queen even made a surprise appearance.
The Queen has made a surprise appearance at the Platinum Jubilee concert ahead of star-studded musical performances to celebrate her 70 years on the throne.
The 96-year-old had to cancel several performances this week due to “inconvenience” and mobility issues, but she was able to pre-record a comedy skit with Paddington Bear played before Saturday’s concert.
Tens of thousands of revelers, including 5,000 frontline workers from the coronavirus pandemic invited as special guests, burst into cheers as she appeared on the big screens around a packed Mall and Buckingham Palace.
In the two-minute sketch, the iconic child character asks the Queen if the Queen would like a marmalade sandwich while they enjoyed tea in one of the rooms in the palace.
“Maybe you want a marmalade sandwich? I always keep one for emergencies,” Paddington Bear said as he took the popular British tea snack from his red hat.
The Queen quickly replied, “Me too. I’ll save mine here for later,” showing him her marmalade sandwich that was in her black handbag.
Cheers quickly interrupt the pair as an assistant looks out the window to see the crowd standing in front of Buckingham Palace, telling the Queen that the Platinum Jubilee Party is about to begin.
‘Happy anniversary, ma’am. And thanks for everything,’ says Paddington Bear as he bows.
The Royals also made a surprise appearance, sitting in the front row alongside other British dignitaries and special guests as pop band Queen opened up as the first in a long list of musical performances with We Will Rock You and We Are The Champions.
Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton and two of the three children, George and Charlotte, all laughed, laughed, sang along to songs and waved the British flag during the event.
Sir Rod Stewart, Craig David, Duran Duran, Alicia Keys, who changed the lyrics of her famous Empire State of Mind lyric from New York to London, and Andrea Bocelli wowed audiences from late afternoon into the evening.
Sam Ryder, the runner-up in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022, sang Space Man dressed in a diamond union suit, just weeks after losing to Ukraine in the final.
Other new pop stars to grace the three-hour event included George Ezra, Mimi Webb, Celeste and Jax Jones.
Sir Elton John later performed Your Song – which he recorded in the red drawing room of Windsor Castle – and projected it onto Buckingham Palace in a Vivid-esque rendering.
There was also a stunning drone show over the iconic tourist hotspot where operators made the British flag, one of her pet corgis, two Buckingham Palace guards, a teapot and teacup and a stamp with the Queen.
Prince Charles also shared a heartfelt tribute to his “mom”, the Queen, remembering his late father Prince Philip who died on April 9, 2021.
“Your Majesty, Mama,” he began.
“The magnitude of this evening’s celebration – and the outpouring of warmth and affection throughout this anniversary weekend – is our way of thanking you – from your family, the country, the Commonwealth, in fact the entire world.
“On behalf of all of us, I wanted to pay my own respects to your life of selfless service. Your family now spans four generations.
You are our head of state. And you are our mother too.
“Your ‘strength and abode’ will be sorely missed tonight but I’m sure he’s here in mind… My father would have loved the show and wholeheartedly joined us in celebrating all that you still do for your country and your people.”
“You met us and talked to us. You laugh and cry with us and, most importantly, you have been there for us for seventy years. You promised to serve all your life – you continue to deliver.
“That’s why we’re here. That’s what we’re celebrating tonight. These pictures on your house are the story of your life – and ours.
So, Your Majesty, that’s why we all say thank you.”
Concert-goers then poured into the surrounding pubs to continue the celebrations ahead of the Great Jubilee Luncheon on Sunday.
Ten million residents across the country are expected to hold street parties for the military parade.
The event has united the nation with businesses and Brits welcoming the event after two grueling years in lockdowns.
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