EastEnders: Prince Charles and Camilla visit Albert Square

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

This comes ahead of the royal salute on the parade ground. Prince Charles, joined by Prince William and Princess Anne, will take the royal salute on behalf of the Queen.

This is the first time the Queen has missed out on the gesture in her entire, historic reign.

She will instead appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, joined by her cousin, the Duke of Kent, the palace confirmed on Wednesday.

This comes amid growing concern over the monarch’s health, as she is said to be suffering from “episodic mobility issues”.

The monarch will take a salute from the cavalry as they go past Buckingham Palace on their return from the parade.

Millions of people across the UK and the world are expected to enjoy the pomp and pageantry which start today in honour of the 96-year-old who has reigned for longer than any of her predecessors.

The Queen said in a statement ahead of the celebrations: “Thank you to everyone who has been involved in convening communities, families, neighbours and friends to mark my Platinum Jubilee, in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth.

“I continue to be inspired by the goodwill shown to me, and hope that the coming days will provide an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved during the last 70 years, as we look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm.”

However, in a sign of the monarch’s advancing years and recent episodic mobility issues which have led her to cancel some engagements, the Queen’s personal involvement in the events has been limited to some extent.

The celebrations have begun with the Trooping the Colour military parade in London where for the first time the Queen will take the salute from the 1,500 soldiers and officers from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. It is the first time in three years that the Queen’s official birthday parade has taken place.

Prince Charles, 73, and his eldest son Prince William, 39, are carrying out a number of ceremonial duties on the Queen’s behalf during the four-day celebrations.

Before cheering crowds, the royal party made its way along The Mall which has been strewn with Union Jack flags for the unique occasion.

They were led by the First Battalion of the Irish Guards which last trooped its colour on The Mall in 2017.

Three carriages then followed including Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge and the three Cambridge children, George, Charlotte and Louis, who could all be seen waving to the crowd.

DON’T MISS: 
Queen adds EXTRA date to Jubilee calendar – despite health fears [REVEALED] 
Meghan spotted with little Archie! Duchess seen on rare day out in LA [REPORT] 
Five killed and multiple injured in ‘devastating’ Tulsa shooting [LATEST]

The procession awaited the departure from the Palace of the Prince of Wales who is taking the salute. Charles was followed by the Duke of Cambridge.

Thousands of people draped in Union Jack flags, party hats and plastic tiaras lined The Mall as the sun blazed down. Some of those at the front brought camping chairs, having arrived as early as 8pm on Wednesday to get the best spot.

Spirits were high among the crowds as members of the public chatted and joked with police maintaining the perimeter. Handmade signs have been hung over the barriers, with one simply saying, “Thank you”.

Source: Read Full Article