What an enormous success it has been, for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee both logisitically, and in the Fashion Stakes for Great Britain!
More than 1.5 million people lined The Mall today to celebrate the Jubilee with The Queen and The Royal Family
The Diamond Jubilee Concert was a resounding success, (although the sad news that the Duke of Edinburgh had been taken into hospital with a kidney infection obviously had an effect on the proceedings – there were tears in many of the performers eyes)
THE QUEEN’S THAMES DIAMOND JUBILEE PAGEANT
A 41 gun salute resounded from the Tower of London, to celebrate the Queen’s 60 years on the throne, and even the wet weather did nothing to dampen the spirits of the crowd who stood for hours just to get a glimpse of the Queen and her family on her big day.
The Queen looked to be in complete control of the proceedings, and totally at ease standing on deck alongside the Duke of Edinburgh for nearly four hours in
the rain. (At times, subtly guiding her family into their respective positions).
The day was perfect and the fact that the weather had no effect on the pageant just goes to show the depth of the importance that this Diamond Jubilee has had on the morale of the nation.
The Queen looked elegant in a beautiful Swarovski Crystal embellished outfit designed by Angela Kelly, with organza frill and gold, silver and ivory applique, accessoried with David Hyatt shoes. (The crystal embellishment of course befitting the occasion perfectly).
The Duchess of Cambridge looked stunning in a bright red Alexander McQueen dress, which had been customised especially for the Duchess by Sarah Burton in adding longer sleeves and lengthening the hemline slightly. The Duchess stuck to her signature nude L K Bennett shoes, and wore a bright red hat to match her dress which had been designed by Sylvia Fletcher from Royal Milliner James Lock & Co. Later in the day Catherine also wore a scarf made of Strathearn Tartan as her Scottish title is Countess of Strathearn.
Prince William looked very fetching in his blue Flight Lieutenant No 1 Dress Uniform, and alongside Prince Harry who wore his No 1 Ceremonial dress of the Blues and Royals, and Catherine in her stunning red Alexander McQueen outfit, the younger members of the family ‘cut quite a dash’ on board the decks of ‘ The Spirit of Chartwell’ – and the Queen looked very proud!
The Duchess of Cornwall wore another winning outfit by Anna Valentine, which looked very feminine, Prince Charles looked very dashing in his Royal Navy Admiral’s Ceremonial Day Dress Uniform and Princess Beatrice shone in a silver and navy dress and coat by Marni. Princess Eugenie looked very chic in a coral coloured Roland Mouret dress, with a black and coral Stephen Jones hat and Anya Hindmarch bag.
The Flotilla took two years of meticulous planning, and over 6,000 police were present to protect the Royal Family. With attention to detail like this, perhaps we should feel grateful to all concerned.
It is said that the Queen has been ‘au fait’ with all matters concerning the Diamond Jubilee down to the very last detail. (Gary Barlow even said this morning that she knew much more about the organisation of the concert tonight than he did), so perhaps we can assume that she might have been made made privvy to the colour of Catherine’s dress beforehand? (Particularly in view of the fact that the Queen wore white, William wore blue, and Catherine wore red.)
Also, and perhaps more crucially, that a woman of the Queen’s stature could never, ever be outshone!