Today is day 4 of the British sovereign’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. So far it has been filled with some impressive pomp and ceremony, but also some very touching moments from the royals and their fans.
If you haven’t had the chance to watch all the festivities, here are just a few of our favorites.
There’s no doubt that the queen’s 4-year-old great grandson stole the show as he stood next to the 96-year-old on the balcony at Buckingham Palace to watch the incredible flyover. The interaction between the two generations put a smile on many faces, and little Louis’ reactions to the noise of the planes have become a huge hit.
A focus on gratitude
One of the biggest events was the Queen’s Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. As the cathedral’s website shared:
“The Service will include bible readings, anthems, prayers and congregational hymns, expressing thankfulness for The Queen’s reign, faith and service; desire to foster unity and peace amongst all peoples; and commitment to care for God’s creation.”
While the monarch was unable to attend due to discomfort from the previous day’s events, the family were all there to support her.
A sense of gratitude has been felt far beyond the cathedral’s walls. For the Trooping the Colour, the Mall (the road that leads up to Buckingham Palace) was crammed with tens of thousands of people offering their thanks. Many were carrying patriotic flags, but in true British fashion, some were dressed head to toe in the British flag.
A thoughtful sermon
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, tested positive for COVID, so the Archbishop of York, the Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell, stepped in to preside over the service.
Describing it as a “slightly terrifying gig,’ he preached a particularly thoughtful sermon, referencing the queen’s passion for horse racing:
“Let me observe that her reign represents the distance of Aintree [the long Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool] rather than the sprint of Epsom [a much shorter, faster race].” He added: “Certainly, less dressage than most people imagine. But with endurance, through times of change and challenge, joy and sorrow, she continues to offer herself in the service of our country and the commonwealth. We’re so glad that you are still in the saddle and we are glad that there is still more to come.”
A little in-law love
Many people will have missed it, but at the beginning of the Thanksgiving Service, when Prince Charles entered the cathedral and saw his daughter-in-law, Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, he blew her a little kiss. It might seem trivial, but the royals are known for not displaying their emotions, so that tiny little gesture came as a sweet surprise, and demonstrates the pair’s bond.
Princess Charlotte as the wise big sister, and some serious respect
At the beginning of the celebrations on Thursday, there was a huge parade in which the queen’s great-grandchildren, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, joined in. Sitting in their carriage, the three children were adorably waving at the crowds. Yet when Louis got a bit zealous with his waving,
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As the world’s eyes were on them, they did a great job honoring their beloved Gan-Gan. And one of the most endearing and respectful moments was seeing the three youngsters bowing their head when the national anthem was being played.
A festival of colors
Those who love a little color wouldn’t have been disappointed in the particularly cheerful colors worn over this long weekend. The royals showed up in some very summery hues and the bright red uniforms of the Queen’s Guards were on display for all to see.
Bringing the nation together
While July 4 is a patriotic day in the United States, the Brits don’t celebrate a special day that unites the country. However, one of the roles of the monarchy is bringing citizens together, and this is precisely what has happened over the Jubilee weekend.
Today, neighbors will be closing their roads, hanging up decorations, and having street parties. It’s a wonderful opportunity for people who don’t necessarily know each other to get together and have some fun. Local councils have shared that at least 16,000 street parties will be taking place across the country, bringing millions of people together.
And finally, a very joyful queen
For the royal fans out there, or those who admire a woman who has dedicated her life to service, seeing Her Majesty standing up on the balcony to wave to the thousands gathered, was a very sweet sight to see, especially since it’s been a very difficult year for her. And seeing her funny little act with Paddington Bear is another moment that shows her light and warm side, just like the Bear himself!
And today we celebrate...