Queen Elizabeth II

While millions watched the Platinum Jubilee festivities to thank Queen Elizabeth and reflect on her 70 years on the British throne, for the monarchy itself, the four-day celebrations have also very much been about looking to the future.

Queen Elizabeth said she was humbled by the support she had received during her Platinum Jubilee after crowds of royal fans cheered her appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, flanked by her heir Prince Charles and two other future kings.

The 96-year-old monarch, who has been troubled by mobility problems, appeared for the first time in person since Thursday on the Buckingham Palace balcony after the Trooping the Colour military parade.

To mark the royal landmark, the Preston City Mela, a showcase for all things South Asian since 1997, broadened its scope to include culture from the 54 Commonwealth countries.

Prince Charles paid an emotional personal tribute to his mother, Queen Elizabeth, on Saturday during celebrations to mark her Platinum Jubilee, praising the monarch for uniting the nation and continuing to make history during her 70-year reign.

Friday's focus was a traditional Church of England service of thanksgiving led by senior royals -- and returning Prince Harry and his wife Meghan -- in the hallowed surroundings of St Paul's Cathedral.

The world has its eyes set on Queen Elizabeth II who is celebrating her Platinum Jubilee, marking her 70 years on the throne.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex watched the Trooping the Colour parade from the Major General's Office at Buckingham Palace.

Gifts presented by members of the public are prepared for the royals' various life milestones (weddings, births, birthdays), notable anniversaries (such as jubilees), but also various official duties (state visits, inaugurations).

Buckingham Palace said the 96-year-old monarch, who has been dogged by mobility problems for months, experienced "some discomfort" after two public appearances on the balcony after the Trooping the Colour military parade.

Britain celebrates the second day of Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee on Friday, with the highlight a service of thanksgiving attended by senior royals and politicians that the 96-year-old monarch herself will miss due to ongoing mobility issues.

Climate change protesters caused a disturbance at a military parade in London at the start of celebrations for Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee on Thursday, running out in front of marching soldiers before they were arrested.

A beaming Queen Elizabeth waved to cheering crowds massed outside Buckingham Palace on Thursday as Britain kicked off four days of pomp, parties and parades to celebrate her record-breaking 70 years on the British throne.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will watch the Trooping the Colour parade on June 2.

A plane with Queen Elizabeth II onboard was forced to redirect its course after it encountered a thunderstorm on its way back from Scotland.

How Elizabethan law once protected the poor from the high cost of living – and led to unrivalled economic prosperity

The airline industry was one of the hardest-hit sectors during the Covid-19 pandemic. Flights were grounded by lockdowns and travel restrictions.Carriers and airports laid off thousands of employees.

With two public holidays on Thursday and Friday, then the weekend, supermarket chain Co-op predicted "a bigger sales period than Christmas".

Duncan Larcombe said it is "clearly a trip not to let bygones be bygones and heal a rift" but specifically for them to honour the Queen.

Overall, the UK might be considered less than generous in the bank holiday stakes. Many countries in Europe have around 12 bank holidays, while the lucky citizens of Finland have 15.

Modern royal jubilees have become chiefly associated with holidays, processions and parties. But jubilees are also religious events, and their history reveals the monarchy's widening role in British religion and communal relations.

The Platinum Jubilee offers a four-day respite from a surge in prices not seen since the 1970s, with accounts emerging daily of people struggling to put food on the table and clothe their children.

The government will launch consultations on how to change the law on weights and other measurements to capitalise on freedoms after leaving the European Union.

It is said that the monarch will be at her great-granddaughter's first birthday on June 4 instead of at the Epsom Derby.

A royal author said Queen Elizabeth II cares for her grandson because of his "mental struggles."

The four days of events begin on Thursday with the traditional "Trooping the Colour" military parade in central London

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will reportedly "pack up and leave" if they will be disrespected.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed they will bring Archie and Lilibet to the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June.

Her Majesty stripped the Duke of York of his royal patronages and military titles in January 2019.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed their appearance at the four-day event with their children Archie and Lilibet.