Buckingham Palace announced that Queen Elizabeth II would not attend a thanksgiving mass on Friday in honor of her Platinum Jubilee for the 70 years she has served on the throne, after she suffered "some discomfort" at the celebrations. this Thursday.
The queen has had trouble moving around in recent months and has excused herself from attending several public events.
However, this Thursday she was seen joyful on the balcony of Buckingham Palace while receiving applause from tens of thousands of people who accompanied her as she began four days of celebrations, for which she has become the longest reign in the United Kingdom.
Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Louis, Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince William gather on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on Monday.
(Paul Grover, Pool Photo via AP) Paul Grover / AP
Her fans carried British flags, party hats and fancy tiaras.
Some camped out overnight hoping to see the 96-year-old monarch, whose public appearances are increasingly sporadic, as well as the
Trooping the Color
parade, a military parade celebrating the official birthday of every British sovereign since 1760.
[UK Commemorates Queen Elizabeth II's Jubilee: 'I Know Many Happy Memories Will Be Made During These Celebrations']
It was an explosion of joy from a huge crowd, one of the first large gatherings since the COVID-19 pandemic began more than two years ago, The Associated Press news agency reported.
On video: The funny gestures of the great-grandson of Queen Elizabeth II during the Jubilee celebration
June 2, 202201:01
“Everyone has the same mission,” Hillary Mathews, 70, who traveled from Hertfordshire, outside London, told the quoted media.
"All the horrors that have happened in the world and in the UK at the moment are behind us for one day, and
we can just truly celebrate the queen
. "
[Royals Celebrate Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee on Buckingham Balcony without Meghan Markle and Harry]
The Jubilee celebrations will continue throughout the weekend.
It is not clear if the queen will attend the other events planned for Saturday and Sunday.
