Queen’s Platinum Jubilee bank holiday 2022 LIVE: Prince William and Charles pay tribute to Queen during heartfelt speeches

Princes Charles and his son, William pair tribute to Her Majesty during heartfelt speeches in what was an iconic event on Saturday evening.

In his own speech, Charles thanked his mother for “lifetime of selfless service” adding: "You have met us and talked with us. You laugh and cry with us and, most importantly, you have been there for us, for these 70 years.

"You pledged to serve your whole life - you continue to deliver. That is why we are here. That is what we celebrate tonight."

Paying tribute to his grandmother, William echoed the Queen's words from her speech to the Cop26 UN Climate Change summit, when she said working together in a "common cause" always gave rise to hope.

Opening the show, the Queen delighted millions of viewers by appearing in a surprise comic sketch with Paddington Bear to kick-start the Jubilee concert where the pair disucssed their love of marmalade sandwiches. Rock group, Queen and Adam Lambert then continued the show with musical hit “We Will Rock You”.

Earlier in the day William and Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge met the performers and crew involved in the Platinum Jubilee Celebration Concert taking place on the grounds of Cardiff Castle.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex also travelled to Northern Ireland where they attended a 1950s-themed celebration, before then heading to Bangor which has received city status.

Queen Elizabeth II The Early Years

That’s it from the Evening Standard’s Platinum Jubilee live blog for tonight

22:58 , Anthony France

Coverage will continue Sunday morning on the fourth day of celebrations across the UK.

Diana Ross brings Platinum Jubilee show to a finale

22:39 , Anthony France

Comedian Lee Mack introduced the final performance of the evening, Diana Ross.

Ross sang her song Chain Reaction and then delivered a message for the Queen.

“Hello, from all the people here tonight, and millions watching around the world, we have one simple message to you: Thank you,” she said.

She then sang Thank You and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.

A Union Jack was projected on to Buckingham Palace and the Prince of Wales was seen clapping while Duchess of Cornwall waved a flag.

Ross then closed the show urging everyone to shout “Thank you” to the Queen.

Emotional scenes as crowd sing nation anthem

22:18 , Anthony France

Thousands of people have stood to sing the national anthem in unison at Party at the Palace.

Earlier, Stephen Fry has said how lucky the country has been under the reign of the Queen, as he joked about how many prime ministers she has “tolerated”.

He told the crowd: “We are all Elizabethans and that’s a wonderful thing to be.

“As a nation we have been lucky, lucky, lucky above all others to have had our Queen to represent us over 70 years.”

Fry went on: “How many local sewage works has Her Majesty opened with a bright smile? How many plaques unveiled? How many trees planted?

“How many ribbons cut, ships launched? How many prime ministers tolerated, for that alone no admiration is high enough.”

Prince Charles asks crowd to cheer so Queen can hear in Windsor

22:15 , Anthony France

The grounds of Buckingham Palace filled with cheering and applause as the Prince of Wales finished his address live from Party at the Palace.

Standing alongside the Duchess of Cornwall, Charles asked the crowd to cheer loudly enough for the Queen to hear 20 miles away in Windsor.

Duke of Cambridge pays tribute to the Queen

21:55 , Sami Quadri

The Duke of Cambridge said he shared his grandmother’s optimism as he paid tribute to the Queen at the Platinum Party at the Palace concert.

Here is the full text of his address:

“It’s wonderful to be here with you on this incredible night. And great to see Buckingham Palace turned into a giant Imax screen!

“As I watch those extraordinary images – it does make me think of all the monumental and pioneering work of so many visionary environmentalists that have gone before.

“I’m so proud that my grandfather and my father have been a part of those efforts.

“And I’m in awe of people like the great Sir David Attenborough who look at the beauty and power of our Earth and then work to celebrate and preserve it.

“I think of Rachel Carson from America, Wangari Maathai from Kenya, Sunita Narain from India and so many others.

“While no one’s grandmother thanks them for talking about their age, my own grandmother has been alive for nearly a century. In that time, mankind has benefited from unimaginable technological developments and scientific breakthroughs.

“And although those breakthroughs have increased our awareness of the impact humans have on our world, our planet has become more fragile.

“Today, in 2022 – as the Queen celebrates her Platinum Jubilee – the pressing need to protect and restore our planet has never been more urgent.

“But like her, I am an optimist.

“Decades of making the case for taking better care of our world has meant that environmental issues are now at the top of the global agenda.

“More and more businesses and politicians are answering the call. And – perhaps most inspiringly – the cause is now being spearheaded by an amazing and united generation of young people across the world.

“Congratulations to all of them – they won’t accept the status quo, they won’t accept that change is too difficult to deliver. Never before have we had so much power to change the big things.

“In the past 70 years mankind has put man on the moon. We have built the World Wide Web. And we have developed vaccines and solutions to some of the most life-threatening diseases on Earth.

“When humankind focuses its mind, anything is possible.

“It’s my firm hope that my grandmother’s words are as true in 70 years’ time as they are tonight that as nations we come together in common cause, because then there is always room for hope.

“Tonight has been full of such optimism and joy – and there is hope. Together, if we harness the very best of humankind, and restore our planet, we will protect it for our children, for our grandchildren and for future generations to come.

“They will be able to say – with pride at what’s been achieved – ‘What a Wonderful World’.”

Alicia Keys performs

21:47 , Sami Quadri

Daniel Craig and Sir Paul McCartney among celebrities hailing Queen

21:37 , Sami Quadri

Daniel Craig and Sir Paul McCartney are among the celebrities who have expressed their appreciation of the Queen’s service over her 70-year reign during the BBC’s Platinum Party at the Palace concert.

As part of the special Jubilee event, film footage of the Queen at her coronation was played with a voiceover of the monarch saying: “When I was 21 I pledged my life to the service of our people and I asked for God’s help to make good that vow. I do not regret nor retract one word of it.”.

It was followed by pre-recorded video messages from famous faces who spoke of their love for the monarch.

James Bond star Craig said: “Your Majesty, thank you for your continued presence in our lives, for your leadership, and for your unwavering grace and poise.

The actor, 54, also referenced the memorable sketch from the London 2012 Olympic Games opening ceremony where it looked like Craig had jumped out of a helicopter with the Queen.

Recalling the moment, he added: “I will follow you anywhere Mam, out of any helicopter door.”

Beatles star Sir Paul, 79, paid his respects to the monarch by saying: “I love you like many other people, so congratulations and thank you for 70 beautiful years.”

Alicia Keys backstage

21:31 , Sami Quadri

Rod Stewart performs ‘Sweet Caroline’

21:18 , Sami Quadri

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children could be seen singing along to Sir Rod Stewart’s performance of Sweet Caroline.

William and his son George sang the song from the royal box, as did Kate.

Welcomed to the stage as a “rock legend”, Sir Rod urged the crowd to join in as he performed.

He also sang Baby Jane.

George Ezra performing

21:13 , Sami Quadri

Eurovision star Sam Ryder performs

21:08 , Sami Quadri

Sam Ryder performed his song Space Man.

The crowd became animated and waved their hands in the air as flames and smoke were let off from the stage.

The Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal could be seen applauding, smiling and chatting after it ended.

Mimi Webb performs on stage

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Andrew Lloyd Webber and Lin-Manuel Miranda performing during the Platinum Party

20:53 , Sami Quadri

Andrew Lloyd Webber introduces acts

20:51 , Sami Quadri

Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber introduced five musical performances.

He said: “Your Majesty, your reign has outrun any theatre in history, an extraordinary achievement.”

Performances from musicals including Hamilton and The Lion King then took place.

Andrew Lloyd Webber on stage

20:47 , Sami Quadri

Craig David performs

20:40 , Sami Quadri

Rapper and singer Craig David opened his set by congratulating the Queen.

“Congratulations to Her Majesty the Queen for her 70 years of service,” he said.

He then performed his songs Ain’t Giving Up, Re-Rewind and Fill Me In.

Britain’s Got Talent stars Diversity perform on stage

20:37 , Sami Quadri

Ashley Banjo and his dance troupe Diversity performed using a number of British songs popular throughout the Queen’s reign.

Moving from the sixties to the songs of today, the group danced to The Beatles’ She Loves You, the Bee Gees’ Night Fever and David Bowie’s Let’s Dance.

They then danced to the Spice Girls’ Spice Up Your Life, One Direction’s What Makes You Beautiful and Stormzy’s Big For Your Boots.

They finished the performance by hailing the music of the countr

John Newman performing during Platinum Party

20:36 , Sami Quadri

Jax Jones opens his set

20:27 , Sami Quadri

Jax Jones opened his set with his song You Don’t Know Me while sitting in a bed.

Behind him was a mock-up English Heritage blue plaque on a screen. The plaques are in place across London commemorating people from all walks of life.

It said: “Jax Jones Bedroom Producer SE23 lives here.”

Jones previously said he was starting his set in a bed as a tribute to people making music from their bedrooms.

He then introduced rapper Stefflon Don, singer Mabel and musician John Newman – who joined him for different songs.

Lee Mack cracks joke about Partygate

20:21 , Sami Quadri

Comedian Lee Mack made a joke about partygate in front of Boris Johnson as he addressed the crowd.

Speaking in front of the Prime Minister, who was in the royal box, he said: “Finally we can say the words ‘party’ and ‘gate’ and it’s a positive.”

The joke drew cheers and laughs from the crowd.

Mack then replicated former Queen frontman Freddie Mercury’s “Ay-Oh” chant with the crowd, prompting laughs from the Duke of Cambridge and his children.

Adam Lambert on stage

20:18 , Sami Quadri

Princess Charlotte claps for Queen

20:14 , Sami Quadri

Princess Charlotte and her mother the Duchess of Cambridge were seen clapping along to Queen + Adam Lambert’s performance.

The Princess and her brother Prince George’s attendance was a surprise appearance.

The pair were sat in the Royal Box at the front in between their parents.

Queen delights viewers with surprise Paddington Bear sketch

20:11 , Sami Quadri

Queen + Adam Lambert begin performing ‘Will Will Rock You' on the main stage

20:06 , Sami Quadri

The Queen appears in a surprise comic sketch with Paddington Bear at the start of the Jubilee concert

20:02 , Sami Quadri

The monarch and the digitally animated famous bear were pictured having tea at ‘Buckingham Palace’ in footage played at the Party at the Palace.

The Queen revealed she shares Paddington’s love of marmalade sandwiches and keeps an emergency stash in her trademark handbag.

The duffle-coat wearing bear showed the Queen how he ensured he always had his favourite treat on him just in case, lifting up his red hat to reveal his snack.

The Queen responded by revealing “So do I” before opening her bag and declaring “I keep mine in here” to show her very own ready-made supply of the bread and orange preserve staple.

Paddington was shown causing mayhem by accidentally depriving the understanding sovereign of another cup of tea and spraying cream from a chocolate eclair over a Palace Footman.

The bear from deepest darkest Peru congratulated the Queen on her reign of 70 years, saying: “Happy Jubilee Ma’am. And thank you. For everything.”

The modest Queen replied: “That’s very kind.”

Hans Zimmer recalls accidentally insulting the Queen

19:51 , Sami Quadri

Composer Hans Zimmer has recalled accidentally insulting the Queen when he was a child, and joked that if she remembers this he might be cut from the Platinum Party at the Palace programme.

Speaking backstage at the event, he said: “I’ve met her a couple of times. I remember when I was tiny, when I was three or four years old, and I sort of insulted her.

“Because I was introduced to her and I looked at her and I stared at her and I said: ‘You’re not the Queen,’ and she goes: ‘Why not?’ And I say: ‘You’re not wearing a crown,’ which to a three-year-old makes perfect sense.

“So maybe she remembers – maybe I’m going to get cut out of the programme tonight.”

The Oscar-winning composer also revealed that he knows the Queen is a pianist and hopes that she and the whole country enjoys the special Jubilee concert.

Pictured: Andrew Lloyd Webber and Lin-Manuel Miranda backstage at the Platinum Party

19:50 , Sami Quadri

Dolly Parton, Michael Bublé and Geri Horner among stars paying tribute to the Queen in video message aired on BBC before Platinum Party kicks off

19:47 , Sami Quadri

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and wife Carrie attend the Platinum Party at the Palace

19:41 , Sami Quadri

Craig David backstage at the BBC Platinum Party at the Palace

19:35 , Sami Quadri

Members of the public on The Mall ahead of the Platinum Party at the Palace

19:21 , Sami Quadri

Brian May hopes performance will be ‘epic'

19:11 , Sami Quadri

Brian May has said that he hopes the collaboration of Queen + Adam Lambert can “pull off something epic” when opening the BBC’s Platinum Party At The Palace concert this evening.

The 74-year-old guitarist created a classic moment 20 years ago during the 2002 Golden Jubilee celebrations when he performed God Save The Queen on Buckingham Palace’s roof.

Speaking backstage, May told the PA news agency: “We’re exceedingly honoured and exceedingly happy to be here, it means a lot to us.

“We were here 20 years ago for the Golden Jubilee and it’s great to be asked back.

“And we like to bring something special every time, so we’ll see if we can pull off something epic tonight.”

He added that he does feel a “little bit of pressure” this time around, but noted that the band enjoys the challenge of creating events which will be memorable.

George Ezra hails ‘mind-blowing’ Queen

18:49 , Sami Quadri

George Ezra has hailed the Queen’s 70-year reign as sovereign as “admirable” and “mind-blowing” ahead of his performance at the BBC’s Platinum Party at the Palace concert.

The singer, 28, said he feels “very flattered” to be among the line-up, noting that this event will rank in his career highlights alongside playing the main stage at Glastonbury.

Reflecting on the Queen’s reign backstage at the event, Ezra told the PA news agency: “I was watching the other day a clip that kind of showed every prime minister that she has worked with, and this is my ignorance, but I just hadn’t realised how far back it was.

“And then when we think about the fact that this is the 70th Jubilee, that’s unbelievable because of course in my life, she will have always been the monarch.

“I think it’s admirable, I think it’s mind-blowing actually.”

Jubilee partygoers excited for ‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’

18:48 , Sami Quadri

Aisha Kasim, 37, described celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at the Palace as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”.

Ms Kasim, who works in learning support at a university, travelled to the Buckingham Palace concert with her mother Mae Kasim, a retired teacher, from their home in Aberdeen.

Aisha, who was wearing a Scottish flag, said: “I think it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I think it’s the sort of thing that we probably won’t see again any time soon.

“(The Queen) is our longest serving monarch, she’s done amazing all these years, so it’s just great to come along for the party and to make the journey from Scotland.

“We flew all the way from the other side of the country for this so we’re happy to be here.”

“I’m actually from Nigeria as well, I’m Nigerian-Scottish, and Nigeria was an ex-British colony so I’ve grown up my whole life with that,” she added.

More pictures ahead of the concert

18:32 , Bill Mcloughlin

Playing for the Queen ‘surreal’ says George Ezra

18:10 , Bill Mcloughlin

Speaing to Sky News, George Ezra said it would be “surreal” to play at the concert.

“If I weren’t playing today, what would I be doing? I would be back home with the people I love raising a glass,” he added.

Nile Rodgers posts rehearsal video ahead of Jubilee performance

17:34 , Sami Quadri

Animal Rebellion claims six of its members ran on to Epsom track

17:32 , Sami Quadri

Animal rights campaign group Animal Rebellion claimed six of its members ran on to the track ahead of the Epsom Derby.

On Thursday, members of the same group were arrested after they entered the ceremonial route on The Mall before Trooping the Colour.

The group said the protest was aimed at making “a definitive statement, and act, against the cruelty and harm the horseracing industry represents”.

It describes itself as a “mass movement using nonviolent civil disobedience to call for a just, sustainable plant-based food system”.

Sam Ryder hails “strength” of Queen

17:24 , Sami Quadri

Eurovision star Sam Ryder has said the manner in which the Queen carries herself “reminds us that strength can be gentle” ahead of performing at the Platinum Party at the Palace.

Ryder, who came runner-up in the recent Eurovision song contest while representing the UK, is among the star-studded line-up who will entertain a live crowd of 22,000 people and a television audience of millions this evening.

Speaking backstage about the monarch’s 70 years on the throne, Ryder said he feels it is “so selfless to give your entire life to that service”.

He added: “How many of us could say that we could do that. It’s breathtaking. The way that she carries herself, it reminds us that strength can be gentle.

“I think that’s so important, to me all the time. To carry yourself in a way where you’re bringing so many people together in unity and solidarity but doing it with such a subtly kindness.”

The singer revealed that he got the call to do the Jubilee concert while on the bus home from Eurovision last month, which left him feeling like he was “overflowing with joy”.

Duchess of Cambridge visited children’s hospital in central London on Friday evening

17:23 , Sami Quadri

The Duchess of Cambridge visited a children’s hospital in central London on Friday night to meet those who were not able to celebrate the Jubilee.

The Evelina Children’s Hospital wrote on Twitter: “We received a very special surprise last night! Our Patron, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, dropped in for a private visit to meet our patients, families and staff unable to join in the celebrations this weekend.”

A masked Kate was pictured next to the bed of a young child, who had tubes attached to their face.

Kate became a patron of the Evelina London in 2018.

It is part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and treats children with complex and rare conditions from birth into adulthood.

Crowd arriving before the start of the Platinum Party

17:17 , Sami Quadri

Rod Stewart shares rehearsal video from Buckingham Palace ahead of Jubilee performance

17:15 , Sami Quadri

Couple tell of excitement ahead of Platinum Party

17:10 , Sami Quadri

There were large queues of people waiting to get into the Platinum Party. One couple there several hours ahead of the event was David Hitchins and his wife from Guildford, Surrey.

Mr Hitchins, a contractor, said: “I was gifted two tickets after I raised over £25,000 for the NHS.

“We’re so excited to be here and I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved.”

Also waiting was Shane, 32, originally from Austin, Texas, who has been living in London for nearly four-and-a-half years.

He said being here and living in London over the Queen’s Jubilee is a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience.

He said: “Being from America this is something totally different – we would never get this. It feels like a country-wide holiday and to have such a sense of community in such a big place, it’s just incredible to embrace this moment.”

William and Kate meet with public in Cardiff

17:09 , Sami Quadri

Sam Ryder poses backstage ahead of Platinum Party performance

16:54 , Sami Quadri

London Eye opens a 1950’s-style ‘pub’ in honour of Queen

16:52 , Sami Quadri

Princess Anne is all smiles at Epsom Derby

16:50 , Sami Quadri

Earl of Wessex pulls pint of Guinness during Northern Ireland visit

16:42 , Sami Quadri

Police remove protesters who swarmed Epsom Derby track

16:37 , Sami Quadri

Police have removed a group of people who ran on to the track ahead of the Epsom Derby.

The group, who appeared to be protesters with banners, fell to the floor after the officers intervened.

Dozens of officers could be seen working to move them, as members of the royal box watched on.

The crowds cheered as they were taken away, with a voice on a Tannoy apologising to spectators.

16:33 , Sami Quadri

More than 70 corgis gather at Balmoral for Platinum Jubilee

16:28 , Sami Quadri

More than 70 corgis have gathered on the lawn at Balmoral Castle as part of celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The dogs, the Queen’s favourite breed, enjoyed a walk in the royal estate with their owners before posing for photos in the grounds.

The event in Aberdeenshire, organised by the Corgi Society of Scotland and the UK Corgi Club, brought together dozens of Cardigan Welsh and Pembroke Welsh corgis.

The Queen has owned more than 30 Corgis and Dorgis – a cross between a corgi and a dachshund – during her reign, most of which have been descended from her first corgi, Susan, who was gifted to her on her 18th birthday in 1944.

Hilary Greensill, a member of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Association, said there was a “fantastic” atmosphere at the event on Saturday afternoon.

She said: “We have been to Balmoral before and with it being the Platinum Jubilee year, the estate approached us and suggested we might like to come back in the summer time.

“It is a really nice opportunity to showcase the breeds and how much fun they are and help celebrate the Platinum Jubilee with dogs the Queen is fond of.”

George Ezra tweets ahead of Platinum Party performance

16:26 , Sami Quadri

George Ezra has tweeted ahead of his performance at the Platinum Party at the Palace on Saturday night.

“Here’s something I never imagined myself saying… I’m playing at Buckingham Palace tonight for the Queen’s Jubilee!!” the musician wrote in a tweet.

“[T]une in to Platinum Party at the Palace from 7.30pm on BBC One for a huge evening of music and celebrations”.

Dickensian fun to mark the Jubilee on the streets of Rochester

16:12 , Vicky Jessop

With the Party at the Palace set to kick off shortly, Brits have been celebrating the Platinum Jubilee a number of ways: street parties, bunting, heading to the Mall.

But none quite like Rochester, where revellers lined the streets dressed in Dickensian costumes.

This is because the Dickens Festival, which happens every year in June and December, has fallen on the same weekend as the Jubilee.

This year, the City of Rochester Pipe Band led a procession of more than 200 costumed attendees (plus the town mayor and town crier) through Rochester High Street to the castle grounds, where they enjoyed a funfair and Dickens-themed activities.

Queen will be watching Epsom Derby in her “comfy clothes"

15:56 , Vicky Jessop

The Queen’s granddaughter Zara Tindall has told Epsom Derby racegoers that the Queen will be watching the event at home in her “comfy clothes”.

The Princess Royal’s daughter was speaking at the sporting event, where her mother Anne was standing in for the Queen.

“She will be watching on the TV - she has a few runners today dotted around the country, so she knows exactly what’s going on,” Tindall said.

"She’ll just be sat on the sofa watching the TV. She’ll be in her comfy clothes."

Though the Queen was unable to attend due to her ongoing health problems, her presence was felt at the event, with the royal procession arriving through an honour guard of forty of the Queen’s past jockeys.

"It was amazing,” Tindall said.

“It was so nice to see so many faces. It was funny seeing them trying to fit back into the colours again, all the retired ones.”

"Obviously, we’d love her (The Queen) to be here. But it’s nice to be here. I’ve never been to Epsom before. It’s exciting. I need to go and explore."

Stars start to prepare for Party at the Palace

15:52 , Vicky Jessop

As the clock ticks down to the Party at the Palace celebrations, stars have been tweeting their well-wishes and messages of support for the Queen - as well as conveying their excitement for the upcoming party.

It’s set to start at 7.30pm and will feature some of the biggest names from across the world of showbiz - including some other big names from British culture, such as Sir David Attenborough.

The event itself will explore several different themes and how they have evolved in the UK and Commonwealth over the seventy years of the Queen’s reign: Fashion, Sport, The Environment, 70 Years of Pop Music and Musicals.

Naturally, the Musicals section will be curated by Andrew Lloyd-Webber, who posted a teaser of the night ahead on Twitter, featuring Jason Donovan in Joseph’s iconic technicolour dreamcoat.

Earl and Countess of Wessex wrap up NI trip in Bangor

15:40 , Vicky Jessop

The Earl and Countess of Wessex have arrived in Bangor for the second part of their trip to Northern Ireland.

Earlier in the day, they met crowds of well-wishers around the city and attended Jubilee celebrations in honour of the Queen’s 70th year on the throne.

They attended a 1950s themed celebration and saw an exploration of the last 70 years in fashion, music and dance.

In addition, the Earl attended a gathering hosted by Age Friendly Belfast, where he chatted to locals about their memories of the Queen and previous Jubilees, including the Queen’s coronation.

In Bangor, the royal pair attended a vintage funfair. After viewing vehicles from across the last 70 years, the Earl also attended a 1950s pop-up diner where he attempted to pull a pint of Guiness - and served it to a local.

To end the visit, the Earl and Countess went head-to-head in a cooking competition hosted by celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli.

After tasting the entries (both omelettes) he declared them both the winners.

Britons get the bunting out for Jubilee parties

15:09 , Vicky Jessop

All over the UK, Brits have been breaking out the bunting and the BBQs to see the Jubilee in in style.

Alongside the Big Lunch Weekend, there have been dances, parades and street parties as people make the most of the Bank Holiday Weekend and celebrate the Queen’s 70 years on the throne.

Here are a selection of photos from across the country.

Crowds start to gather for the Party at the Palace

14:10 , Vicky Jessop

In London, crowds are starting to gather for the main event of the day: the Platinum Jubilee’s Party at the Palace.

Featuring a star-studded guest list, including appearances from Sir Elton John, Duran Duran, Queen + Adam Lambert and Diana Ross, the event promises to be one to remember - and will take place across three massive stages erected in front of Buckingham Palace.

Princes Charles and William will also be making speeches at the event.

Though you need tickets (around 24,000 people will be attending), that hasn’t stopped royal fans from setting up shop on the Mall to watch the preparations and catch a glimpse of the festivities when they begin later tonight.

Epsom Derby in full swing

14:04 , Vicky Jessop

Over in Epsom, the Princess Royal has been enjoying her trip to the races.

Princess Anne was seen grinning as she waved to audiences during her trip to the Derby Day, while the Queen remained at home due to the mobility issues that saw her miss the St Paul’s Thanksgiving Service.

She arrived alongside husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and children Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall.

As they arrived in procession, the crowd was seen cheering and waving Union flags.

Though the Queen was not present, many of her jockeys, both past and present, posed for photos wearing the Queen’s silks of red and purple.

The Cambridges continue their Cardiff trip

13:55 , Vicky Jessop

Over in Wales, the Cambridge’s trip to Cardiff Castle is in full swing.

The royal family posed for pictures and greeted well-wishers outside the castle’s doors before meeting with the cast and crew from the upcoming concert that will be taking place later on.

In addition to the meet and greets, the royal children had a go at working the lighting and audio for the concert during a behind-the-scenes tour of the castle.

This also included having a go at conducting the orchestra.

13:10 , Vicky Jessop

As royal visits kick off in Northern Ireland and Wales, crowds have also been gathering in Epsom as the Epsom Derby gets underway.

Though the Queen, a known horse-lover, will not be attending, her daughter Anne will be.

The race itself is more than 240 years old and the Queen has raced many of her horses there in the past.

Though the three thoroughbreds she entered this year have been withdrawn, her horse Just Fine is also set to compete in the penultimate race of the day, the World Pool Northern Dancer Handicap.

The day’s organisers have also confirmed that five of her retired racehorses were paraded on the track before the day’s racing began to celebrate her “unrivaled contribution to the equestrian world”.

In addition, the Queen’s Stand has been permanently renamed the Queen Elizabeth II Stand.

12:51 , Vicky Jessop

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been meeting well-wishers in Wales ahead of today’s Jubilee celebrations.

Two of the couple’s children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, are also present, making it their first official visit to Wales.

During their visit, the royal family are expected to drop in at the concert rehearsals currently taking place in Cardiff Castle before helping the crew with some of the final preparations.

The concert, which will take place this afternoon, features Bonnie Tyler and John Owen-Jones among its line-up. Singer Aled Jones will be presenting the event, along with Shan Cothi.

BBC weather presenter and drummer (who went viral during lockdown for his inventive riffs on the BBC theme tune) Owain Wyn Evans, the Rubicon Dance Company and the Wales Youth Choir for Good will also be present.

Trafalgar Square evacuated due to security concerns

12:22 , Vicky Jessop

The Met Police have evacuated Trafalgar Square ahead of the upcoming Party at the Palace.

Though it is currently unclear what cause the incident, the Met have asked the public to avoid the area and a cordon has been put in place.

There have also been reports of a “controlled explosion”, though this has not been confirmed.

As of 11.16am, the Met said the incident had been resolved and the square would reopen shortly.

Prince Edward greets well-wishers in Northern Ireland

11:53 , Vicky Jessop

The Earl and Countess of Wessex have been out and about in Belfast, greeting crowds of well-wishers and attending celebrations for the Platinum Jubilee.

Over the course of the day, the pair will be meet children taking part in multicultural street performances, join in with arts and crafts sessions and speak to locals about their memories of meeting the Queen.

Prince Edward set to carry out royal engagement in Northern Ireland

11:15 , Vicky Jessop

The Earl and Countess of Wessex’s trip to Northern Ireland is due to begin shortly.

Prince Edward and his wife Sophie will be carrying out two engagements in Belfast on behalf of the Queen over the course of the day.

They will be meeting children taking part in multicultural street performances, join in with arts and crafts sessions and speak to locals about their memories of meeting the Queen.

Australians praise “cheeky” Queen in video chat

11:10 , Vicky Jessop

The Queen has held a virtual call with the Australians of the Year and the governor-general to congratulate them on their “marvellous work”.

She was in good spirits as she talked to the award recipients, with some remarking on her “cheeky” sense of humour.

The call took place on May 9 and began with the governor-general, David Hurley, remarking that it had been 34 years to the day since she had opened Parliament House in Canberra.

“Oh!” the 96-year-old remarked in surprise before recalling “that bit of water” that is the lobby’s water feature.

“That little pond inside intrigued me very much indeed. I wondered how many people had fallen in it,” she joked, smiling broadly.

It was not clear if she knew that in the three decades since its creation, the feature – known as the Pool of Reflection – has become notorious in Canberra for causing such incidents.

Among the guests was the Young Australian of the Year, 25-year-old Dr Daniel Nour.

After the call, he described the Queen as “cheeky”.

“I love that she’s cheeky,” he added. “She had a cheeky smile… and was so down to earth and so lovely.”

Queen leads well-wishes for Lilibet’s first birthday

10:34 , Vicky Jessop

The Queen has wished her great-granddaughter Lilibet a happy first birthday as the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations continue.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s daughter, who was born in California, is spending her first birthday in the UK.

The Royal Family’s Twitter account posted a sweet message on Saturday morning, wishing her a “very Happy 1st Birthday”.

This was soon followed by the rest of the family, with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge posting: "Wishing a very happy birthday to Lilibet, turning one today!"

Prince Charles wrote: "Wishing Lilibet a very happy 1st birthday today!"

Lilibet, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s second child, was named after the Queen’s family nickname, which was given to her by her grandfather, George V.

This trip marks baby Lilibet’s first time in the UK – and the first time she has met her extended royal family, including the Queen.

There has also been speculation that Harry and Meghan will use this opportunity to officially christen her at Windsor Castle when the family gather to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.

What is the Epsom Derby?

10:01 , Vicky Jessop

Though not quite the most famous racing event in the calendar – that accolade goes to Ascot, which takes place in a few weeks’ time – Epsom is nonetheless a prestigious date in any racing fan’s diary.

More than 240 years old, the event takes place every year at the Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey.

Coverage of the supporting races will start from 12.40pm on ITV, but the main event is the 4.30pm Epsom Derby race – which no doubt the Queen will be watching closely from home.

Though Her Majesty (a keen lover of horse racing) will not be there, her daughter Anne will be attending in her stead.

What’s happening today?

08:30 , Vicky Jessop

The majority of today’s Jubilee festivities will take place this evening, at the Platinum Party at the Palace.

The stage, which will be erected in front of the palace, will host big names including Queen + Adam Lambert, Diana Ross (who will close the show), Duran Duran, Alicia Keys and of course Eurovision champion Sam Ryder.

Expected to welcome over 20,000 people over a two-and-a-half-hour performance, it looks set to be a big night - and Princes Charles and William will be there to address the crowd.

However, there is also the promise of Epsom Derby this afternoon. Though the Queen has since confirmed that she will not be attending due to ongoing ill health, her daughter, the Princess Royal, will be attending in her stead.

In the meantime, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will also be heading to Cardiff to meet the crew and performers behind the Jubilee concert being staged at Cardiff Castle tonight.

Pictures from Friday’s St Paul’s service

07:48 , Vicky Jessop

For those who missed them yesterday, the Royal family headed to St Paul’s Cathedral for a service of Thanksgiving.

Though the Queen was expected to attend, she was forced to pull out of the event at the last minute due to ongoing mobility issues, leaving her son Prince Charles to lead the service.

Among attendees were Prime Minister Boris Johnson and wife Carrie, Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Yesterday marked their first official trip back to the UK since they left for California in 2020. As they are no longer working royals, they did not make an appearance on the balcony yesterday for the Buckingham Palace celebrations, but were seated in Westminster Abbey alongside Prince Harry’s cousin Eugenie.