From today, the British celebrate the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II to the throne, in a historic moment for a very popular queen who is increasingly absent for health reasons.
No king has ever sat on the throne of Britain for such a long time. It is unlikely that her successor will achieve a similar period of rule, as Crown Prince Charles is 73 years old, while his son William will soon celebrate his fortieth anniversary.
The historical and national dimension of this platinum jubilee is shown through honors, commemorative publications, exhibitions, programs for this occasion, concerts and competitions of all kinds.
The streets of Britain were decorated with pictures of the Queen, and souvenirs in the colors of the British flag, dishes and utensils bearing her image were displayed in the markets. The celebrations began Thursday with the traditional annual military parade in which the 96-year-old Queen participated on horseback, followed by an air show.
Only members of the royal family who have official functions and their children are expected to appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace alongside the Queen, a moment that is eagerly anticipated.
Friday mass will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral in London. Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, who are unpopular in the UK and have lived in California for two years, are expected to take part in the festivities, as well as Prince Andrew, who has paid millions of dollars to end a sexual assault complaint.
On Sunday, millions of Britons will join in neighborhood lunches and street parties, taking a short break to forget if for a while the accelerating inflation and recurring political scandals.
The festivities will conclude with a massive parade in London. The 10,000 participants will honor the Queen, who has faced recurring crises with equanimity, a symbol of unity and appreciated by the British for her sense of duty and sometimes humor.
According to a poll published by The Sun newspaper, the results of which were published this week, the Queen received 91.7 percent of favorable opinions, compared to 67.5 percent for Prince Charles, who is preparing to succeed her.