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Subscribe to RSSQueen Elizabeth II spent the first day of her Diamond Jubilee Weekend at the races in Epsom, England, a tradition older than Kentucky Derby. NBC's Michelle Kosinski reports.
LONDON -- Four days of celebrations to mark Queen Elizabeth's 60 years on the British throne was getting under way on Saturday with one of her favorite pastimes -- a trip to the horse races.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to descend on London over the next few days for Diamond Jubilee festivities, with millions attending street parties across the country as the nation marks the queen's personal milestone.
"The queen has given incredible service," British Prime Minister David Cameron said. "She's never put a foot wrong, she's hugely popular and respected here and around the world and it's an opportunity for people to give thanks and to say thank you for the incredible service that she's given."
Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating 60 years on the throne. Watch archival footage from her childhood and ascension to the throne to the present day.
Across much of Britain, red, white and blue "Union Jack" flags billow from street lamps, outside buildings, shop fronts and houses, and sales of patriotic souvenirs have rocketed ahead of the celebrations.
To royalists, the occasion is a chance to express their thanks and appreciation to the 86-year-old Elizabeth, head of state for 16 countries from Australia and Canada to tiny Tuvalu in the Pacific Ocean, for her years of public service.
Secret donors, foreign firms bankroll UK's Diamond Jubilee celebration
For others, the chance of some extra days off work and to enjoy the sort of extravaganza and public ceremony for which Britain is renowned has made it a welcome break from austere times, pay freezes and deep public spending cuts.
Republicans hope the occasion marks the last hurrah of a dying anachronism, while some 2 million people are leaving Britain altogether to go on holiday.
"Original jubilees were invented in the 19th century by the popular press as modes of national celebration for which the monarchy and monarch was almost incidental," royal biographer Robert Lacey said.
Jubilee fever is gripping the U.K. in the form of royal souvenirs – but the ultimate Jubilee gift may be a one-of-a-kind desk complete with a hidden diamond, which will be auctioned off for charity. NBC's Ben Fogle reports.
He said the jubilee was as much about society celebrating itself as it was about the head of state and the now largely symbolic institution of the monarchy.
"They tend to work best in times of economic hardship. It provides a tonic for the country," Lacey told Reuters.
Jubilee treat: Canadian Mounties guard Britain's queen
Having acceded to the throne in February 1952 on the death of her father George VI when Winston Churchill was prime minister, Elizabeth is now the longest-lived British monarch.
Only her great-great-grandmother Victoria spent longer on the British throne and she looks on course to overhaul her as longest-serving monarch in 2015.
While more than a century separates festivities marking Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne from those honoring her predecessor Queen Victoria, surprising similarities connect the commemorations. NBC News' Jim Maceda reports.
As well as being head of the Commonwealth of nations mainly made up former British colonies, Elizabeth is also the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
"I think we've been enormously fortunate in this country to have as our head of state a person who has a real personality - a personality that comes through more and more, I think, in her public utterances," said the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, the spiritual head of the Anglican Church. "Someone with insight and judgment, and with immense stamina and a depth of commitment that I think is immensely impressive to all of us."
The four days of celebrations begin on a fairly low-key note when the queen indulges her long love of horses by attending the Epsom Derby, one of the biggest events in the British horse racing calendar.
On Sunday, there will be a flotilla of 1,000 boats assembled from around the globe travelling 25 miles along the River Thames featuring the queen and her 90-year-old husband Prince Philip on a royal barge, in the largest such pageant for 350 years.
Thousands of street parties are also planned across Britain, including one on Downing Street outside Cameron's office, as part of a "Big Jubilee Lunch".
With just days to go until the country's largest river event in 350 years, a complex security operation has kicked in to ensure the safety of the thousand boats that will accompany the Queen down the Thames for the Jubilee river pageant. The flotilla will include sailing ships, music barges and a Hawaiian war canoe. ITN's Fatima Manji reports.
Officials say there are some 9,500 street parties planned in England Wales and ABTA, the British travel association, said almost 2.5 million Britons were expected to take part.
London's Heathrow airport said some 780,000 people were due to arrive in the next few days, although ABTA said an estimated 2 million Britons were planning to head overseas to take advantage of the two extra public holidays.
The queen's London residence Buckingham Palace will play host to a pop concert on Monday featuring the likes of Paul McCartney and Elton John, before a network of 4,200 beacons will also be lit across Britain with more set alight around the Commonwealth.
The celebrations culminate on Tuesday with a memorial service at St Paul's Cathedral, a carriage procession through central London and flypast by present and former royal air force aircraft.
Police said the weekend would include the largest royal security operation ever conducted. Some 13,000 officials including about 6,000 police officers will be on duty for the Thames pageant, which poses challenges never before encountered.
"We're treating it as a unique event, to have that many dignitaries on that many boats moving along the Thames," London police's Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stephen Kavanagh told Reuters.
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I am neither a Brit nor a royalist, but this celebration certainly is a good thing for the Brits. The Diamond Jubilee celebration should be a big morale boost to the Brits, giving them something very positive to celebrate in these tough times. It will also give them a good financial shot in the arm in the middle of the current economic turmoil. All of the visitors coming in for the four day celebration will probably put a few hundred million pounds into their economy at a time when they could really use it. This, on top of the Olympics later this year, should be a nice boost to businesses in England, particularly those in London.
They should be very proud of their successful theme park.
A celebration of infinate unemployed extended benefits. It's their money so good luck with that, thankfully we did not have a 50 year Bush dynasty paid by taxpayers.........
Hopefully, are next President will build a stronger relation with Europe and Australia. Leaders of the FREE world.
In the 21st century, let us get over this dynasty business.
Queen Elizabeth comes with a large extended royal family (Dukes, Earls, Princes, Princess, Dutch, Dutches, etc.) that is costing the British People more than they can afford.
With a Parliament and a Prime Minister to run the country, who, in these times of European austerity, can afford a bloated useless royalty? Look at the Germans; without any royalty, they are the leaders of Europe.
Oh look, another ignorant comment from someone who doesn't know what they are talking about.
The state duties and staff of other members of the Royal Family (but not the
Prince of Wales, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of
Cambridge, or Prince Harry) are funded from a parliamentary annuity, the amount
of which is fully refunded by the Queen to the treasury.
First of all TomTom-72, please learn your royal lineage before making a stupid comment. There are no such people as "Dutch and Dutches". There is however, Dukes and Duchesses. Second, the royal family costs nothing to the british people anything. The royal family owns and operates more than enough major farming enterprises to cover most of their costs. The remaining costs are covered by tourists visiting royal residences, and those who wish to see royalty in action. Your comment concerning why with parliament and a prime minister do we need a Queen is a lot like asking why oranges need trees. The answer is simple, the British Commenwealth has always been a monarchy and always will be. The Queen may not have much political clout, but she is always there to advise those who seek a knowledge you could not comprehend.
Our Queen is more that just a figurehead she is our guiding light.
Congratulations, your Majesty, long may you reign. God Bless the Queen
Yes, God save the Queen. Mwuhahaha!
Hmm,celebrate a diamond jubilee during a time of economic crisis,interesting.Kinda like celebrating a feast during a time of famine. When will people wake up?The commoners should have a ball with this one!!!
It's wrong on so many levels,it's rediculous!!!
I believe Queen Elizabeth has been a wonderful leader and servant of the people... This Diamond Jubilee is to be rejoiced by all in Britain, its territories and the free world in general.
However, without throwing a damper on such a wondrous occasion, I have to ask myself when this woman will finally be allowed to rest and retire? There are plenty of heirs apparent to carry the monarchy torch forward. Hasn't Queen Elizabeth earned from her decade of service to her people, a little rest to enjoy her family and grandchildren in her remaining days? Her husband, Prince Phillip, is what, 90 years old. It's time for them to enjoy their remaining time together in solitude and peace.
In essence, asking a monarch to work until her last aged breath is rather selfish of her nation... The Queen won't retire out of duty to her nation and people; sometimes, it takes true love of a nation to say "Thank you and now it's time to rest".. Let others in the monarchy carry the torch...
Ronzwyf, she is enjoying what she is doing. Besides that, I don't think she trusts Charles as much as she should. The Queen Mum stepped down when she wanted to, Queen Elizabeth will do so when she wants to. I believe I read she wants legislation to change the lineage to the Throne so Prince William can be named King ahead of his dad. I could be wrong on that though.
I hope they a wonderful Diamond Jubilee. Long live the Queen!
Long live the Queen. Long live the Monarchy. Proud to be British.
Yes,Hiel Hitler!!Maybe she will live another 50 year...HA HA HA!! They said a good tonic for the country what they need is a complete bowel movement of the British Monarchy..
Raymond, as an American, I am embarrassed and apologize for the people on here who are showing disrespect for your Queen and your people. I don't understand why people have to be so disrespectful during this British celebration. I have British roots, Queen Victoria wrote my maiden name into law before my British ancestors came to the U.S. in the late 19th century. Long live the Queen, and I offer my respect to the Royal Family and to the British people!
Was Camilla Parker Bowles entered in the horse race?
i dnt like that bitch she is evil
Who, the Queen or Camilla Parker Bowles? If it is the later, I agree.
Honest to God, I could not care less about the Diamond Jubilee, the queen or any of the royalies though I suppose they are good for tourism. And no, I did not click on and read the article (I don't care), I clicked on only to read and comment on the comments.
I agree! These are good tourism marketing propaganda.
But the prince has been acting in unbecoming manner.
Also the taxpayers have to maintain these royals, which may not be good.
Even so, Roger, the fact that you HAD to take the time to tell us all how much you don't care says otherwise.
3rd: It does not say "otherwise", my post was aimed at expressing my apathy for an archaic institution.
God Bless Her Majesty on her Diamond Jubilee....Long may she reign.
We're attending a tea in her Majesties honor today at The British Pantry in Aldie, Virginia.
We wish her well and long live the Queen !
And my buddies and I are drinking a beer in celebration of our victory over that basket case Charles III. Just wait for the 4th of July!!!!. Bet you royaly lovers will be coughing in your sherry on that day.
Maybe there will be a big wreck at the horse race so we can see the "curtain of death" and then get the Queen's reaction. I'll bet it will be just like in this country! All the animal rights groups will put out a release, all of the industry officials will re-re-re-re-recommit to finding the answer, all the politicians will pledge to use their power to force change, and the situation will fade into the background when the news media goes home and the world wide leader in sports says nothing!
to people who keep going on about taxpayers money keeping the royals thats a load of bs and propaganda tax payers dont really pay anything they (the royal family) bring in more money to the country then they take out we would not have half the tourism we get without them so in theory they pay for themselfs and probley make the country a profit anyway we have a nice 4 day weekend plenty of partys and thing to do so lets have a drink and enjoy ourselves once in a lifetime celebration long live the queen long live britannia
A Celebration for a better equality of life for all people.That to me sounds like a good celebration for ALL TO ENJOY...
Congratulations and best wishes to the Queen. She has carried out her duty to country with humility, dignity and compassion. And she has the respect of so many outside her realm which includes about 1/3 of the world's population. That is something to celebrate.
These Royals spend the poor people of Britians hard earn money on dumb things,when the country is starving and out of work.What happen to the old saying, "give to those less fortunate then you" Where Robin Hood? They need him back to steal from the rich and give to the poor,HA!
Who do you think is cooking all the food, putting up people for the night, cleaning, etc? Hmmmmm, the "people"?
Get your facts straight before you comment. Between their own assets and the tourism dollars they bring in, the royal family actually more than supports itself. They do not receive a penny of "the poor people of Britain's hard-earned money" (I took the liberty of correcting your grammar for you) as you claim. In fact, they make a profit for the country. This weekend, with the hundreds of thousands of tourists coming in and spending money, is a good example of that.
And then there are the tourists who do NOT come because of the monarchy.
Queen of the welfare recipients. We all wish we had it so easy. royalty one of the biggest scams in the world.
What is wrong with that woman reporter's neck, the one in the red jacket?
Long live the queen. Elizabeth is an incredible person who has done so much for so long not only for Great Britain but for the humanity in general with grace and dignity. She, in my view, is seen as the queen of the world with so much respect that she has indeed transcended the geographic boundries as no one else.
I loved Queen's 5th album, "A Day at the Races." I still listen to it.
thought that was a Marx Brothers film.
Queen MOM it wonderful for Great Britain and they love her dearly. She has been queen for 60 years and stated her reign when she was 25, Winston Churchill was leader then. What great staying power the gracious lady has had. 83 and going strong.
Wouldn't; be nice if we had someone to look up like to like that. Instead we have Obummer a national and iternational disgrace to America... George Washington and Thomas Jefferson please come back
Umm - that would be pretty gross. Maybe not - they are probably just dust now, which makes the image just a bit confusing. They would probably be freaked out by most of modern society - electricity, airplanes, cars, oh and the fact that you can't own anyone anymore. Although I bet Mr. Washington would really, really be impressed by and enjoy modern dentistry.
Yep, those woody's must have been hell !!
I think George Washington and Thomas Jefferson would have been appalled by Americans worshiping a British monarch. After all, why did we have a revolution? That said, I send Queen Elizabeth my heartiest congratulations on a very long and successful reign. History has shown that the Brits need a monarch. Look what happened after their own revolution. (hint to those who were asleep the day they taught history in history class: As soon as Oliver Cromwell died, so did the republic, and they begged Charles II to come back and be King).
So Elmer, the queen has reigned for 60 years, started when she was 25 and now she is 83? I realize Great Britain and the USA are two countries divided by a common language, but I thought we had arithmetic down.
Long live the Queen, The supreme Governor of the Church of England (Anglican Church) To all Anglicans in the whole world, lets join the celebration of our Supreme Governor of our Church...
I wish I could see that floatilla. It's as good a reason as any to celebrate, and it is bringing in a lot of tourism money. So why not? I hope it all goes off without a hitch and people enjoy themselves.
Elizabeth had a very keen awareness of duty to God and country since she was very young. I visited London for the very first time in 2010 and would love to go back to see more... A very old country with an incredible history! God Bless Queen Elizabeth and her family and England on this milestone!
While the Royals do live a lifestyle of luxury, they focus on many charities and raise subsutatial funding for them with their service. Their schedules are somewhat controlled by "The Firm" and can be rather demanding at times. If you view documentaries about the Queen, she is very impressive and has served for sixty years, having to assume the responsibility in her mid-twenties. Along with that, she has had to endure a few scandals and also work on transitioning the monarchy somewhat to the modern age since Princess Diana's death; an age where people are much less appreciative of what they have to offer and less tolerant of supporting them. She seems to be doing it successfully. I suppose if the British enjoy having them and funding them, then the monarchy should and will continue on. I have some British friends and they love the Royals and are happy to support them. I heard that it really only costs each person about a dollar a year, so why not? Besides.....I think the best is yet to come with William and Harry; Princess Diana's legacy. They seem to be the most normal of the Royals so far and I look for their children to be as transforming. In twenty years or so, we are likely to see the monarchy completely transformed to a modern version of Royals that will be much more accepting to all. So more so than criticism, she probably deserves admiration and respect. She is an amazing Lady.
If the queen really wanted to be of service to her people, she should take all the money that will be spent on her jubilee and give it to the unemployed in her country. Just my view.
That's like saying Bill Gates and Warren Buffett should give away their wealth to the poor people in the U.S.. You are making no sense, no one in their right mind would give away their wealth.
There is something to say for the art of civility. Even if you don't adhere to the idea of a Queen and a Royal Family, you can't help but recognize the role each of us can play when we understand our reason for being. We can depend on others or we can stand up and say "Why Not Me". It's at times like this I must promote my book, get your copy at:
kook leftists,,, of course you don't care about the queen.... just commie dictators.... they are the ones you really love.... look at all the power these commie dictators have. you love it.
Well first off let me clear the air on some things, a quick google search will tell you the difference between the "unemployed" British Royal family and the average person on wellfare. The royal family does not get wellfare from the taxpayers, they have a stipon set aside from their onw enormous family wealth that they live on. The state does provide things for them outside of the norm (police escorts, security, etc) however saying they are unemployed is like saying the cast members at disneyland are unemployed. They make public appearence and make a public spectacle of themself, which sells papers/souveniers/magazines/brings in tourism. So even if the cost was payed by the public (which its not, seriously google it or read a book first before you call them a leech) the family brings in more money then they cost, on their own dime. (Brining in money for your country with your own money on your own time? Thats beyond just having a job, thats what a leader does.) This magnificent woman has spent her life in service to her country, because of that she has earned the love of countries worldwide. Long live the Queen!