The Queen's Diamond Jubilee weekend was a resounding success and even enjoyed by those who began the four days with an air of cynicism.
Despite the typical British weather, or rather worse than typical summer weather, on Friday we visited the Avenue of Sail at Tower Bridge and popped over to Buckingham Palace just at the right time to see the Robbie Williams band rehearsing for the concert.
The Queen had a great day out at the Epsom Races on Saturday and we just happened to drive past her as she made her way home to Windsor down the A3!
Sunday was the river pageant, it was wet, very wet! My decision to carry on as planned was questioned several times, but I think The Chief soon realised my mind was not for changing and he joined me with vest, thick jumper, sturdy waterproof and comfortable shoes as we packed into the London bound trains. It was certainly a different atmosphere to the usual commuter trains!
The big screens positioned all over the capital were a great idea and looking out across the river near the Houses of Parliament with a screen behind us, we were treated to a perfect view of all the proceedings. These crowds are always so friendly and we were soon sharing sausage rolls and wine, this helped to pass the time during our two hour wait!
After such a tremendous spectacle on the Thames we decided to leave once the rain became torrential, along with thousands of others! The journey home was not the best end to the day, a normal 20 minute journey took over three hours. We walked, discovered we were lost in Stockwell, got on a bus to Clapham, tried to pack into the obscenely overcrowded South West Trains and gave up, tried to catch a bus to nearer home and had to give up with the sheer numbers trying to board. Another attempt to get a train proved extremely lucky when a last minute platform alteration positioned a train in front of us with enough space to squeeze into and we were nearly home. It had crossed my mind that the evening might have to be spent on a station bench in our damp clothes, with only a weather beaten union jack flag for protection!
No time to rest, a party to organise for Monday, friends and family to entertain and the weather was looking kind, but cool. It was great to see old friends and then all sit around and enjoy the Jubilee concert on the TV.
Tuesday was the day for the Thanksgiving Service at St. Paul's Cathedral and the carriage procession and flypast. Major Darling had won tickets for seats in the stands outside the Palace and they were away at 8am to be part of the celebrations. As we cleared up after the party, we took time out to watch our dear old Queen as she took on another action packed day of engagements. Sadlly without her husband at her side after he had been taken to hospital with a bladder infection, although I'm very pleased to say that Prince Philip has now been allowed home to recuperate.
The cheering and flag waving public exuded happiness as the Sovereign's Escort led the Royal party through the streets whilst the sound of a 60 gun salute from the King's Troop on Horseguards Parade boomed down the streets like thunder. There were so many horses to accommodate that the Wellington Barracks had to turn an underground car park into temporary stables for the day!
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| Photo: Reuters |
Once the Royal party were at the Palace the police led the public down to the gates and the roar went up as the family appeared on the balcony, looking slightly overawed by the enthusiasm and goodwill from the crowd.
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| Photo: PA |
There had been a worry that the planned flypast would have to be cancelled due to the bad weather conditions, but at the last minute it was confirmed it would go ahead. Breathtaking views of Spitfires and Hurricanes, a Dakota and Lancaster Bomber from the Battle of Britain Memorial flight led the way for the Royal Air Force Red Arrows to stream their trail of red, white and blue smoke.
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| Photo: AP |
It has been a wonderful opportunity for the public to let the Queen know how much affection they hold for her and also to feel united in happiness, despite the very difficult economic times we are suffering.
Our highly talented resident artist managed to find a few moments to start a sketched memory of the day.
The Queen had a great day out at the Epsom Races on Saturday and we just happened to drive past her as she made her way home to Windsor down the A3!
Sunday was the river pageant, it was wet, very wet! My decision to carry on as planned was questioned several times, but I think The Chief soon realised my mind was not for changing and he joined me with vest, thick jumper, sturdy waterproof and comfortable shoes as we packed into the London bound trains. It was certainly a different atmosphere to the usual commuter trains!
The big screens positioned all over the capital were a great idea and looking out across the river near the Houses of Parliament with a screen behind us, we were treated to a perfect view of all the proceedings. These crowds are always so friendly and we were soon sharing sausage rolls and wine, this helped to pass the time during our two hour wait!
Tuesday was the day for the Thanksgiving Service at St. Paul's Cathedral and the carriage procession and flypast. Major Darling had won tickets for seats in the stands outside the Palace and they were away at 8am to be part of the celebrations. As we cleared up after the party, we took time out to watch our dear old Queen as she took on another action packed day of engagements. Sadlly without her husband at her side after he had been taken to hospital with a bladder infection, although I'm very pleased to say that Prince Philip has now been allowed home to recuperate.
The cheering and flag waving public exuded happiness as the Sovereign's Escort led the Royal party through the streets whilst the sound of a 60 gun salute from the King's Troop on Horseguards Parade boomed down the streets like thunder. There were so many horses to accommodate that the Wellington Barracks had to turn an underground car park into temporary stables for the day!
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