The Diamond Jubilee Tour: Hereford and Worcester

The Queen and Prince Philip visited Herefordshire and Worcestershire as part of their Diamond Jubilee Tour. First they visited Hereford cathedral, arriving on a steam train. HM wore a pink tweed coat with a matching hat, and began her visit by unveiling a plaque at Hereford's 12th century cathedral.

The royal party attended the Diamond Day event at the King George V Playing Field before arriving at Worcester. They opened a library called 'The Hive' and went on a royal walkabout. Now the couple will travel to Birmingham as part of their tour.

Pictures: BBC/Daily Mail

The Diamond Jubilee Tour: Enniskillen

Landing in Enniskillen in a helicopter, QE and Prince Philip attended a service for the first time in a Roman Catholic church in Ireland. Dressed in a wonderful blue outfit, embellished with snowflake-like lace. The royal motorcade drove down the bunting-decked main street, lined with thousands of cheering people. She then attended the Irish-themed thanksgiving service at St. Macartin's Cathedral.

 




Pictures: Zimbio/Belfast Times

The Diamond Jubilee Tour: Belfast

Now let's all look at the more joyous celebrations in Northern Ireland for QE's Diamond Jubilee.

The Queen and Prince Philip drove through the Stormont Estate in Belfast, in what was a lovely sight as they stood from the car surrounded by thousands of well-wishers. Reminded me a lot of the pope-mobile! She also visited the Titanic Centre and the Lyric Theatre.

Pictures- Zimbio

The Diamond Jubilee Tour: Northern Ireland- Martin McGuiness

We've all heard about that historic handshake between the Queen and Martin McGuiness. A meeting between the Commander in Chief of British Forces, and the former IRA leader accused of orchestrating the death of Louis Mountbatten. Mountbatten was widely considered a member of the Royal Family, and was a stand-in grandfather of Prince Charles, a cousin of the Queen and Prince Philip's uncle. He and members of his family were assassinated by a bomb blast whilst holidaying in Northern Ireland. The bomb exploded under the floorboards of his boat on August 27, 1979. 

This is a fascinating documentary of Mountbatten's death, and includes a touching interview with his grandson, Timothy Knatchbull, who was on the boat as the bomb exploded. He says that he was invited to stay with the Queen at Balmoral as he recovered, and she welcomed him with 'motherly love.'

I think that the Queen showed great courage and dignity as she met Martin McGuiness, setting aside personal loss and tragedy as head of state. She is always willing to forgive and reconcile, and is the epitome of grace and peace.

Picture: The Daily Record

The Diamond Jubilee Tour: The Earl and Countess of Wessex's Visit to Gibraltar

In the midst of all the controversy surrounding their visit to 'The Rock,' the Earl and Countess of Wessex have truly shown their glamorous sides and warmth which make them one of my favourite royals. Personally, I don't know what this whole political boom-bah is all about- an overwhelming 99% of Gibraltarians chose to remain a British overseas territory in a recent referendum. So, at the end of the day, it's the people who decide, and they have chosen to stay British. 

I've gotta hand it to her- The Countess of Wessex looked amazing and ultra-glamorous during the visit, rocking those sunglasses! Not sure about those 'trousers' though... I've always admired her human touch, and the fact that she isn't afraid to disregard protocol and kiss oldies and carry babies. 

And my favourite photo:

Pictures: BBC/Daily Telegraph

The Diamond Jubilee Tour: Nottingham

In a visit to the East Midlands, the Queen, without Prince Philip was received by thousands of well-wishers just a week after her Diamond Jubilee tour. In the Duke of Edinburgh's absence, HM was accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. It was a spectacular visit, topped of with a wonderful balcony appearance reminiscent of those at Buckingham Palace. The crowd in the packed Old Market Square below was a sight to behold.

Click for a magnificent 500-megapixel photo of Old Market Square.

The Queen wore her customary Angela Kelly outfit, whilst the Duchess of Cambridge recycled her Missoni coat and dress, which she wore to a visit with QE and the Duchess of Cornwall to Fortnum and Mason. The Duchess seems to be fitting remarkably well into royal life, and is so elegant whilst having fun at the same time. I admire the fact that she doesn't try to upstage the Queen, whilst complementing her so perfectly.

One of the main features of the day was a touching speech by the Duke of Cambridge in honour of his grandmother- "How grateful we are for the extraordinary love and devotion you have shown to the people of this country and the Commonwealth." The Duke and Duchess also showed their competitive side, seeing who could throw a foam 'javelin' the furthest. We can say the Duke won. As the Queen left for Burghley House in Stamford, the new royal couple stayed behind to walk amongst the crowd. QE also completed her obligatory royal duties, planting trees, unveiling plaques, and signing a visitor's book.

Pictures: BBC and The Daily Mail

Jubilance Part 3- The National Service of Thanksgiving, Carriage Procession and Balcony Appearance

I might as well come straight out with it, although I'm not proud of what I am going to say- not my favourite event. It lacked the pomp and splendour of recent Jubilees, and the slimming down of the family wasn't my cup of tea. So I'll start with the negatives:

No Gold State Coach!
Gah! It's my favourite carriage, and has been used at the two previous Jubilees, so why not make it a tradition and reuse it for this one? Seriously, HM arrived in a car. A CAR! And left in the modest 1902 State Landau. I yearn for those pictures of the Queen riding through narrow London streets in the magnificent gilded coach. Sigh...

Lack of Crowds
This really broke my heart and confused it as well. I'm not sure if they weren't allowed in certain areas, but some parts of the procession route were empty with no people, some with a scattering and some ten deep.

Scaled Down Royal Family

Whilst it was a symbolic sight, the mere six members of the Royal Family on the palace balcony didn't impress. I love all those huge family gatherings, where the balcony is packed with members. This appearance made it look empty and scarce, and failed to produce the magical effect seen at the Golden Jubilee. I don't know, maybe it was just the amazing canopy for the Golden Jubilee. And did anyone else notice the clear 'class' separation between Senior and Extended members of the family? Maybe it's a sign of things to come. 

Now, enough of my ramblings, time to focus on the positive aspects of the day!

As the Queen left Buckingham Palace, without Prince Philip, the crowds started cheering wildly. I was impressed with Lady Farnham's (her lady-in-waiting) filling-in, and she did it with subtle grace. It was magical as HM arrived at St. Paul's, as cheers of 'God Save the Queen' were heard from the crowd. The fanfares signalled her arrival and then it was time to get things underway. A main feature of the service was the music, and I must say, I LOVE royal music. The processional, "Te Deum in G" was magnificent, and the hymns took my breath away. "Guide me O Thou Great Redeemer was particularly resounding- I didn't expect the trumpet start and the climax at the end. 

The Queen wore and mint green embroidered Angela Kelly outfit, studded with a countless array of Swarovski crystals. I loved the chiffon drape flowing down her back- a lovely addition. The main highlight was the Cullian III and IV brooch she wore- shining like a beacon, and fitting for the Diamond Jubilee. The Duchess of Cambridge looked absolutely radiant in another Alexander McQueen outfit- very elegant indeed! Read orderofsplendor's very insightful glance into it's history. 

After the service, the Queen was transported to Mansion House to attend a short reception, whilst other members of the family gathered at Guildhall. Both parties then combined at Westminster Hall for a luncheon, complete with fanfares and beautiful music. Then the day really started to shine, with a carriage procession to Buckingham Palace. Yay! Days of old! It was very interesting to see the Duchess of Cornwall ride next to the Queen, suggesting that they are growing closer.

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, The Princess Royal, The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Edward, The Countess of Wessex and Lady Louise Windsor, Zara Philips

Prince and Princess Michael, The Duke and Duchess of Kent, The Duchess of Gloucester

As the condensed  Royal Family gathered on the palace balcony, it was great to see the full love and adoration of the crowd shine through. The packed mall flooded me with nostalgia, and the Feu de Joie (rifle salute) was a lot of fun. A flypast, complete with a Red Arrows display was also conducted. My favourite moment was the three cheers for the Queen, when the crowd erupted in loud 'hoorays!' 

Overall, a fabulous day to wrap up the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, and some rather interesting signs for the future!

Pictures: Daily Mail & The Telegraph

Jubilance Part 1- The Thames Pageant

Although London delivered typical British weather, it certainly didn't stop an amazing spectacle of a flotilla of 1000 boats sailing down the Thames- truly a moment in history. I've got to admit, the size of the crowds really surprised me, with a million people lining the banks of the Thames. Never have I seen so many since the coronation! It was great to see people crowded on balconies with Union Jacks draped everywhere. The spectacle was the UK in all its glory.

Loved the music from the London Philharmonic Orchestra- Land of Hope and Glory, Rule Britannia! etc.
There were some technical glitches, like the sound dying halfway through the National Anthem. Didn't except the fireworks, and the fanfares as the Queen boarded the Royal Barge was fabulous. The Royal Family did look delighted and it was adorable as they bopped around to nautical tunes. The Duchess of Cornwall was really getting into the spirit of things, which I admire, and was seen sharing jokes with the Duchess of Cambridge.

Although there were some great shots of the flotilla in all its glory, the BBC coverage was a major letdown. Here in Australia, we were forced to watch it, and by god it was terrible. As the actual event got underway after an hour of hype, they cut back to the studio and start playing pre-recorded interviews with special guests. Seriously people! And I know it was raining, but there were random raindrop-filled shots of a woman's hair. Sigh...

Anyways, lets get down to business-

The Star of the Show: Queen Elizabeth really let herself loose this weekend, and I noticed a pattern of jewel/crystal- studded outfits. She really embraced her nautical side today, and was draped in a shawl aboard the Royal Barge. I was wondering what that tea-towel like thing was for! Thumbs up for QE for not sitting down once through the whole thing. She did look delighted.

The Royal Trio: As time passes, I'm seeing a new pattern emerge- Kate, Will and Harry, Kate, Will and Harry, Kate, Will and Harry. It's lovely to see her getting on so well with her brother-in-law, and she looked stunning in a bright crimson Alexander McQueen dress with a matching hat- another pattern maybe?

Mad, Camera, Flag-Waving Royals: I must say, many members of the extended section of the Royal Family (except for the Duchess of Cornwall and the Prince of Wales) were under a bout of Jubilee-fever. Symptoms? The mad shaking of flags, taking pictures from your mobile, and dressing up in spray jackets. Princess Michael of Kent's outfit was amazing, and so elegant!

So that's the Thames Pageant all wrapped up. Next up will be the Diamond Jubilee Concert!

The Royal Muster!

Following on from my earlier, blurry post, these are some clearer pictures from the day. One thing that I noticed while watching the event was the attendance of foreign royalty, obviously choosing to stay put after Friday's dinner and lunch- it was a touching gesture. Here we see Queen Margrethe in some sort of red wine-ish. The hat is uh...interesting, but a bit too wavy for my liking. I love Queen Silvia's shawl, and the hat would be nice if it wasn't as big as a satellite dish. And is King Carl XVI Gustaf taking a picture with.... a MOBILE?!

And here we go, she's at it again! The now infamous Queen? Inkhosikati (I don't even know) turned up all sorts of frills with THOSE SUNGLASSES! Reminds me of a bee!

Anyway, back to the conservative British. Loved QE's outfit, lovely complementary colours included. I wasn't a huge fan of her hat though, those purple feathers were a bit too much. I've got to say- the Countess of Wessex wins her for me. Her understated outfit complete with that wonderful hat gets top prize!





Source: The Royalty Chronicles

So who won for you?

The Armed Forces' Tribute to Her Majesty

Note: I'm sorry the pics are blurry, I had to screenshot them from my stream.

What a magnificent pageant! Real joy and splendour and pride from all the armed forces. They all came together in an arena with a beautiful stage in the shape of Buckingham Palace. I really wasn't expecting that! It was all set in the beautiful backdrop of Windsor Castle, and looked like something out of a fairytale. Unlike military dictatorships across the world, where heads of states control the army, the Queen does it gracefully, with dignity and genteel. It was a beautiful setting and unlike the machine-like armies of other countries, Rule Brittania! Crown Imperial, Land of Hope and Glory and other songs were played which created a carnival-like atmosphere. Yet the main highlight of this tribute was definitely the fly-past. With forms of 60, EiiR and the roulettes spitting out the colours of the British Flag, chills ran down my spine.