“Vyour majesty… Mom! Prince Charles steps onto the gigantic stage set up in front of Buckingham Palace to the applause of the crowd. Addressing Elizabeth II, whom he thanks, on behalf of the whole world, for her dedication in 70 years of reign. “You are at the head of the country, but you are also our mother. The Queen, who is resting in Windsor, was unable to attend this major televised concert given in honor of her platinum jubilee this Saturday, June 4. So her son challenges the audience: “Windsor Castle is only 20 miles away, so if we clap loud enough, she might be able to hear us!” »
A few minutes earlier, at 8 p.m., Queen and Adam Lambert kicked off this musical celebration, one of the many events scheduled for the Platinum Jubilee weekend. True to her sense of humour, the Queen then appears in a video clip having tea with Paddington Bear, a cartoon character… Before beating on her cup, using her spoon and in rhythm with the public, the first notes of We Will Rock You. At 96, Elizabeth II still manages to surprise her subjects. “What a Queen! »
Drone Ballet
Only 22,000 privileged people have their tickets for the event, including “essential” workers and other lucky winners, but tens of thousands of Britons came to enjoy the concert on giant screens installed along the Mall – l avenue in line with Buckingham Palace – and in St James’s Park. The most determined arrived several hours ago, spread their blankets and unpacked their picnics on the lawns of the park.
© PAUL ELLIS / POOL / AFP
Diana Ross, Elton John, DJ Jax Jones, Alicia Keys… The stars follow one another on the microphone to thrill the royal heart of London. A tribute to the greatest British hits, from the Beatles to One Direction, in a grandiose show. Between two video messages from celebrities thanking Elizabeth II, Prince William takes the floor to deliver a vibrant speech on the protection of the environment. The highlight of the show: a ballet of luminous drones in the sky, drawing in turn a corgi – the Queen’s dog –, emblematic palace guards and, of course, the portrait of Her Majesty. Before transforming into a message: “Thank you Ma’am. »