Three cheers for Her Majesty the Queen on her Diamond Jubilee The Finale. Hip, Hip, Hooray!
Diamond Jubilee The Finale
On Monday 10,000 lucky ticket holders and 2,000 VIP guests enjoyed a picnic in the gardens of Buckingham Palace.
This event was attended by a few of the younger royals. Princess Beatrice wore a bright Erdem print while Princess Eugenie looked lovely in a red frock that suited her hourglass shape.
Diamond Jubilee Concert
This was followed by a star-studded Diamond Jubilee concert for the Queen to include Sir Paul McCartney.
Other esteemed entertainers such as Sir Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Kylie Minogue, Sir Tom Jones, Dame Shirley Bassey, and Annie Lennox also performed.
The Queen arrived at 9 pm wearing a glorious cloak.
I believe she also wore this Admirals Boat Cloak in a 1968 portrait by Cecil Beaton.
As well as her 2008 session with photographer Annie Leibovitz. Yes, the Queen recycling! Bravo!
Under the cloak, the Queen wore a gold lame gown trimmed in antique gold lace and adorned with Swarovski crystals by favored designer Angela Kelly.
The Duchess of Cambridge wore a Whistles Bella Body-Conscious Dress in a petal print topped with a jacket from Alexander McQueen.
Prince Charles’ approval rating has skyrocketed since his heartfelt tribute to both his “Mummy” and his father. Sadly, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh was rushed to King Edward 7th hospital in Windsor with a suspected bladder infection. This doesn’t seem a surprise given that this regal man, who will be 91 this Sunday, stood for hours out in the rain for the Thames River Pageant this past Sunday.
The show ended with the Queen lighting one of 4,500 beacons across the world marking her 60-year reign.
It is estimated that in addition to the 10,000 people inside the temporary stadium there were close to a million people just outside the stadium.
Service Of Thanksgiving
The final day of the Diamond Jubilee celebrating the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty’s ascension to the throne began with a service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral followed by a luncheon and ending with a carriage procession.
Her Majesty was resplendent in a mint green coat and hat from favored couturier Angela Kelly. It was embellished with silver thread, Swarovski crystals, and mint green stars. The neckline featured a soft silk chiffon drape.
Her dazzling brooch, which is made from two of the nine Cullinan diamonds, weighs 94.4 carats and 63.3 carats. Smashing!
The Duchess
The Duchess of Cambridge shined in a form-fitting blush lace dress by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. Prince William was quite handsome in a morning coat.
Her matching blush colored headpiece was by Jane Taylor.
The earrings were previously seen on Catherine back in July of 2011 when she attended the display of her wedding dress with the Queen. They have also been seen on the Countess of Wessex.
The shoes were the ever famous L.K. Bennet Sledge style and she carried a matching satin box clutch by Jane Taylor.
The Princess Royal, Anne. She was prettiest I have seen her.
Princess Eugenie wore a lovely purple dress by Suzannah. The bag was by Loro Piano. Her mushroom-colored nude stilettos were also by Gina. Princess Beatrice wore a periwinkle blue Kinder coat dress with tan colored Gina stilettos. Her bag was designed by Lemeresca.
Both girls, shown with their father, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, selected beret styled hats by Stephen Jones.
Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, was the epitome of ladylike beauty in her smart navy suit.
The Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul’s cathedral was quite moving.
The Queen recorded a heartwarming video of thanks.
Celebratory Luncheon
It was then time for the luncheon at Westminster Hall at the Palace of Westminster for the Diamond Jubilee Lunch. The Queen is shown with the Lord Mayor of London, David Wooton, upon her arrival at Mansion House for the reception.
Zara Phillps, who is the daughter of Princess Royal Anne, attended a luncheon held in the Queen’s honor at Guildhall with her husband Mike Tindall.
Zara’s brother, Peter Phillips, is shown here with his wife, Autumn.
The Queen’s cousin, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.
Queen Elizabeth II leaving Westminster Hall after attending the Diamond Jubilee Luncheon given by The Livery Companies of The City of London. Three cheers for the regal Beefeaters.
The Procession
The procession began at St. Paul’s Cathedral, went past Trafalgar Square and ended at Buckingham Palace. I love this image of a Guardsman on the Mall.
I was a bit surprised that the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla, sat next to Her Majesty in the carriage procession. This is a true Royal stamp of approval. Also barring with convention, and showing that he is a true gentleman, Prince Charles allowed his wife to step into the carriage before he did.
Why don’t more men wear top hats?
No one does pageantry like the British.
Pomp and Circumstance are at its finest with the Household Cavalry.
Can you imagine, a band on horseback, splendid!
The E II R emblem is the abbreviated Latin form of “Dei Gratia Regina Fidei Defensor” which translates to Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith.
It is commonly shortened to Elizabeth Regina or Queen Elizabeth the Second. Rex is the masculine form representing a King.
Many of you asked via the Décor to Adore Twitter and Facebook accounts why the Queen’s other children were not aboard the Royal Barge for the Thames River Pageant. The extended members of the Royal Family were in a boat, the Havengore, directly behind the Queen. This is for safety reasons. If heaven forbid, there was a disaster the monarchy would still continue.
Shown are the Queen’s sons, Prince Andrew, Duke of York and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.
The Balcony
Here we see the Queen, the heir apparent Prince Charles, and his heir and spare, Princes William and Harry on the balcony. This line up is said to offer the public a sense that all is indeed well.
The Red Arrow’s Formation Flyover was spectacular.
Indeed!
Well done your Majesty!
A series of photos of the Service of Thanksgiving can be viewed HERE.
I hope you have enjoyed the Diamond Jubilee.
The Duchess of Decor
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Laura,
Thank you for another splendid and well written series on the royals. Due to your extensive and interesting coverage, I know who's who and was able to attend the Diamond Jubilee without leaving NJ!
Your Friend,
Deborah
FairfieldHouseNJ.com
We've watched much of it but these pictures are exceptional and wonderful! I am sending my Brit SIL over to have a look so she can re-live it! Thanks!
Blessings, Lorraine
I didn't get to watch it because we were out last night! Bummer!! But thank you for the amazing cover on this Laura! I just loveeeeeeeee all the photos!!!
The photos are great!! It's like a British fashion show.
chris
What a wonderful collection of pictures from the Jubilee.
I should just mention that there were originally 3 carriages. The line up would have been The Queen and Prince Phillip, Prince Charles and Camilla and then Will, Kate and Harry in the third. However it was seen as wrong to make the Queen travel alone, without her husband due to his being ill so that's why Charles and Camilla went with her.
Thanks for this wonderful overview- I really enjoyed it!
Jan
I worked the last 2 days and missed the events, so thanks! I love seeing the Queen smile so broadly. And I must say Kate and Wm always look so darn happy!
I loved these posts, Laura, hip hip hooray for the Duchess of Decor!!
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Eleanor, you are exactly right. Although my thought was that Her Majesty's son, Prince Charles, should have sat next to her. It may have been for safety reasons.
Thanks for taking us along with you to the jubilee! It was marvelous and I soaked up every image!As usual, you did a wonderful job and I so appreciate all of the effort that it took to put this post together. After all, I know that you are sitting around bored with nothing to do right now! I hope that everything is going well with your preparation for the move!
Again, lovely. I'm pretty sure that Duchess Kathrine is the most beautiful woman in the world. Thanks for all the time you've put into these posts.
Oh, my goodness, Laura, you are fantastic!!! I'v been so overwhelmed by all your posts! Haven't even commented on any of them yet, but will when I go back through them. Just amazing! I, too, had wondered about the other children so was happy to see your answer about them 🙂
I can't believe you're house hunting, packing, etc. and still found time to do all this!!
Thank you so much!
Jane
Wonderful! Thank you for another fascinating post! I read through them just grinning!
Your post was wonderful. (as always)
Bravo! Enjoyed x 18!
The Queen looked so lovely during all of her Jubilee festivities. Thank you so much for sharing so many great photos and facts with us. I have so enjoyed this latest series on the Royals!
I've loved your coverage and learned a lot about who's who. I'd love to have been there, up-close and come home with some dandy souvenirs. I do have a couple treasures from my one trip to England waaaay back in the 80's. Wishing you a happy day.
Love the pics. Have enjoyed this royal series. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Fabulous, Well done and I loved every moment of this post. I was surprised last year to see the band riding horse back also. The Brits are truly amazing. My traveling ladies from our trip to England last year at this time had tea together yesterday. We left California on June 7, 2011 and saw the Queen's birthday on Saturday June 11.2011. I will sharing my Queen's Birthday Tea next week. Thank you so much for your hard work in making the Queen's Party a great one for us to enjoy.
xo
Betty
This post made me so happy! 🙂
Thank you Laura! These posts have been so fun – and I know how much work goes into them:) Blessings!
Wonderful post, Laura. I appreciate your time putting this together. Fascinating!
XO,
Jane
Have enjoyed your Jubilee posts immensely. Thank you for your hard work.
Thank you for all your hard work at documenting this momentous occasion ~ you've really made me feel I was there!!
We have so enjoyed your Jubilee series. Did you see this bit of news about the what the queen is doing in honor of it?
http://www.mnnonline.org/article/17153
I AM SO SAD it is OVER!!
My hubby said to me tonight…if you love this…THAT MUCH…why did you do your trip in APRIL and NOT in JUNE??????Or why did you go with your friends and Not wait and go to this!!!!!
WHY DID I NOT THINK Of this last year…….we started planning our girls trip to Paris…and me going on to London last summer…..may have forgot about this……
BUT I AM SAD…….in 10 years you and I will go to the PLATINUM JUBILEE!!!
OK???
hugs,
jamie
great job on all your hard work!!
Laura, your coverage of the Jubilee is better than any I've seen by journalists! Have you missed your calling? Thanks for all the beautiful visuals and commentary! ~ Maureen
Just WOW~~~
Thank you!!!!
I decided when I get old, or better yet, when I decide to think that I might be of a respectable age, I would love to apply the fashion sense of the Queen. She has quite an amazing wardrobe. I noticed the picture in the church where the Queen is wearing gloves; I haven't seen gloves being sported in such a long time. I have several pairs but have never worn them. I think I might change that, if it's good enough for the Queen, then I will follow suit. Oh, speaking of suits, I need a new suit, too.
Pip pip cheerio, dear,
Blessings,
Darlene
I was watching it all with you. My poor husband endured.♥