The Platinum Jubilee in pictures
All the highlights from the celebratory weekend
After months of preparation, the Platinum Jubilee celebrations are finally here, celebrating the Queen's historic 70 years on the throne. Marked by a long four-day weekend in the UK, the milestone anniversary is being fêted up and down the country with parties and special events, from afternoon teas and outdoor picnics to a big Jubilee concert.
The royal family are going to be out in force, attending various celebrations across the UK and meeting with local communities - from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visiting Cardiff Castle to Princess Anne taking a trip to Edinburgh Zoo. But first, the celebratory weekend will kick off with the official Trooping the Colour parade, which will see the whole family gather in London, and all senior working royals make that famous appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
Below, we bring you all the Platinum Jubilee highlights, as they happen:
The Queen
The Queen prepares to launch the Commonwealth Nations globe to start the lighting of the principal beacon outside Buckingham Palace, from the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle.
The Queen
Starting from Windsor Castle, more than 2,800 beacons were lit across the UK, including atop the four highest peaks, as well as on the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, and British Overseas Territories. Flaming tributes will also be seen in 54 Commonwealth capitals across five continents.
Windsor Castle
A trail of lights were illuminated across the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle.
Buckingham Palace
The Tree of Trees, by designer Thomas Heatherwick, is illuminated as the principal beacon outside Buckingham Palace.
Prince William
Prince William attends a ceremony to mark the lighting of the principal beacon at Buckingham Palace, alongside Nicholas Bacon, chair of the Queen's Green Canopy.
Buckingham Palace
Images of the Queen from throughout her reign are projected on the front of Buckingham Palace.
The Queen and Prince Louis
The Queen enjoys the special flypast as Prince Louis covers his ears from the noise on the balcony at Buckingham Palace.
The royal family
The queen speaks with Prince Louis on the balcony with Charles, Kate and William, Prince George and Princess Charlotte during the Trooping of Colour.
The Duchess of Cambridge
The Duchess of Cambridge waves at spectators as she arrived in the top carriage with Camilla and her children, Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte.
The Duke of Cambridge
Prince William arrives on horseback at the Trooping of Colour, the Queen's Birthday Parade, as his family arrive in the top carriage.
Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte
Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte make their carriage debut and wave to the crowds as they lead the procession for the Queen's Birthday Parade.
Princess Eugenie and Edward Roberts
Princess Eugenie meets Edward Roberts, the winner of a competition to design the official Platinum Jubilee emblem.
Princess Eugenie
She was also shown a selection of the other emblem entrants, which are on display at the V&A Museum.
London
Fans gather along The Mall ahead of the Trooping the Colour parade.
London
Union Jack flags decorate the streets of London ahead of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Paris
Portraits of the Queen are hung outside the British embassy in Paris.
Philips Auction House
Andy Warhol's famous diamond-dusted artwork of the Queen is prepared for sale at Philips auction house.
London
One of eight London buses which has been given a special celebratory makeover for the long weekend.
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