The British are not renowned for their public display of emotion, opting for their characteristic "national stoicism". Nevertheless, yesterday marked the start of four days of celebrations to mark Queen Elizabeth II's 70 years on the throne. The first British monarch to reach the Platinum Jubilee. The whole of society joined in the celebrations, and there was no lack of obvious enthusiasm and excitement. The four-day celebrations included military parades, a church ceremony, public events and a concert outside Buckingham Palace. The love of the British people and their respect for Elizabeth is nothing new. But she now seems to realise, especially after Philip's death and her own health problems, that this national holiday also marks an informal farewell. Generations have grown up with Elizabeth, who identified more than anyone else with the British monarchy, which, indeed, she succeeded in keeping together and popular with the British people in difficult times, even for princes.
So the collective joy is accompanied by a nostalgia and the realization that one era is coming to an end and a new one is about to dawn. Indicative of the health problems of the hitherto evergreen Queen is that she will not attend the national thanksgiving service at St Paul's Cathedral in London today. Buckingham's statement referred to a "certain discomfort" she felt during Thursday's platinum jubilee celebrations. The statement prepared by the relevant palace department on Thursday evening said: "The Queen thoroughly enjoyed today's birthday parade but experienced a certain amount of discomfort." Sources cite a fainting spell and various mobility issues.
Yesterday, although special, was a demanding day. Elizabeth had to travel from Windsor Castle to Buckingham Palace. And, although she was not present at the Horse Guards Parade for the ceremony itself, with Prince Charles taking the reins, she remained standing on the palace balcony for a full six minutes. She appeared to be leaning on a walking stick, which was the gift offered to her a short time earlier by the army staff. Today means that the Prince of Wales will officially represent his mother. Prince Charles, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will arrive 10 minutes later than originally planned for the service which starts at 11.30am. Just three weeks earlier, it was once again Elizabeth's eldest son who took over as Speaker of the House of Lords, replacing his mother.
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Missing from it will be Elizabeth's youngest son Andrew, who tested positive for Covid. The palace has announced that he will be isolated for as long as necessary. A palace spokesman said anonymously: "Following a routine test, the Duke has tested positive for Covid and regretfully will no longer be attending tomorrow's service." After his court adventures, the Queen's favourite, reportedly beloved, son was expected to be completely marginalised. At least that's what his brother Charles had demanded. Although he had not been invited to the traditional "Trooping the Colour" military parade in central London and the honourable passage of modern and historic aircraft, he was at the palace, watching discreetly. The same was true of Harry and Meghan. The Queen decided in advance that only sitting members of the royal family would stand beside her.
Andrew lost his titles, royal patronage and official duties after paying tens of millions to settle a court case in the US. Virginia Jufre, a victim of Jeffrey Epstein, accused the prince of sexually assaulting her when she was 17. The duke denied the allegations but paid the settlement. He was forced to leave public life after a disastrous 2019 interview on Newsnight, where he spoke about his friendship with Epstein. Even the excessive tolerance shown to him by his mother was not enough to hurt her popularity. Street parties are expected in the next few days, a huge celebration with the likes of Elton John and Queen in attendance, and impromptu parties will be held in every street until the wee hours of the morning. The British media reminisce about the Elizabethan years, but do not shy away from wondering what the future will bring.
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