The Platinum Jubilee Pageant came to a poignant and emotional end when British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran performed his hit love song in tribute to The Queen and the late Prince Philip.
Taking to the stage at the end of Sunday’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant—a two-and-a-half hour spectacular procession that traced the evolution, history and cultural shifts of the UK and the Commonwealth throughout The Queen’s reign—Sheeran performed ‘Perfect’ as images and videos of The Queen and Prince Philip were shown on the big screens.
‘Perfect’ was written by Sheeran for his third studio album and is all about the love he felt for his soon-to-be wife Cherry Seaborn. Its lyrics include “Well, I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know, she shares my dreams, I hope that someday I’ll share her home. I found a love, to carry more than just my secrets, to carry love, to carry children of our own.”
When his performance was announced in late May, Sheeran released a statement saying, “I am looking forward to performing at The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant in June. I’m proud to be part of the celebration and it’s going to be a great opportunity to bring everyone together.”
Prince Philip has been referenced quite a bit throughout the Platinum Jubilee weekend, with The Queen, the Prince of Wales, and the Duke of Cambridge all taking time to mention the Royal Family’s patriarch, who died in April 2021 at the age of 99.
The Queen, in pre-recorded, archival footage, was heard at the Platinum Party at the Palace praising her husband for his conservation and environmental work, as did Prince William in a speech about how we must all come together to save the environment.
In his speech at Saturday evening’s Platinum Party at the Palace, Prince Charles said: “Your ‘strength and stay’ is much missed this evening but I am sure he is here in spirit…My Papa would have enjoyed the show and joined us wholeheartedly in celebrating all you continue to do for your country and your people.”
