Tens of thousands of people are already making their way to central London for the start of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
The Mall is already filling up with crowds ahead of Trooping the Colour which will see the first appearance by the Royal Family in the weekend of festivities.
People camped out overnight, joining some who had been in place for several days to make sure of the best view.
Trooping the Colour will see over 1200 military personnel take part in a spectacular ceremony at Horse Guards Parade. The Queen will take a salute from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. The Prince of Wales will inspect troops and take the salute at Horse Guards on her behalf, along with the Duke of Cambridge and the Princess Royal.
The Royal Family will later make an appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace with The Queen joined by working members as well as the children of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
Later on June 2, the Jubilee beacon will be lit on the Mall. The Queen will take part in a ceremony at Windsor Castle to start the beacon, while the Duke of Cambridge will be at the London beacon to complete the lighting in a dual ceremony with his grandmother.
On the eve of the celebrations, Her Majesty released a message offering her thanks to all who had organised events to mark the 70th anniversary of her reign. She added ‘’ “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 seventy years, as we look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm.’’
The Platinum Jubilee weekend runs from June 2 until June 5 2022 and will also include a Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Platinum Party at the Palace and the Platinum Pageant.
