The queen’s golden train, giant dolls, musicians and dancers will parade through London on Sunday staged the richness and transformation of British culture at the close of Elizabeth II’s “platinum jubilee” celebrationsthreatened by rain.

The celebrations of the 70 years the queen has spent on the British throne began on Thursday with a massive military parade to Buckingham Palace and will also end there after four days of holiday and celebration.

Isabel II, 96 years old and with increasing mobility problems, shows up on the first day to please her admirers, but he missed Friday and Saturday after feeling “uncomfortable”.

The king’s health has been a concern since doctors ordered him to rest in October and he had to spend the night in hospital undergoing medical tests.

Since a long time ago, He has been replaced in an increasingly relevant act by his son and heir, 73-year-old Prince Charles, in the progressive transfer of monarchical functions by rulers who are determined not to abdicate.

But the transition raises doubts, given Carlos’ popularity, much lower than his mother’s, and the crises and criticism suffered by the monarchy, from the alienation of Prince Enrique and his wife Meghan to attacks on colonialism and slavery. has a past from the British Empire.

In a bleak social context, with soaring inflation weighing on many Britons, the divisions caused by Brexit and the 180,000 deaths caused by the pandemic, the jubilee celebrations emerged as an escape valve for residents and an opportunity for the royal family to woo. him again.

JUBILEE FINAL CLOSING

In the afternoon, the royal cavalry will ride the queen’s golden chariot, drawn by eight horses and used since the 17th century to bring the king of England in his coronation and jubilee ceremony, to Buckingham Palace.

Divided into four parts, the parade, in which around 10,000 people will participate, is structured as a musical and theatrical representation of the transformation of British society since the arrival of the queen to the throne at the age of 25 in 1952.

It will be opened by representatives of the British Army, Army and Air Force accompanied by military personnel from other countries. Commonwealth, from Canada to New Zealand through Australia, Pakistan, Jamaica or Sri Lanka.

Popular cultural representations of the last 70 years will follow, street theatrical performances and dancers who, from Indian Bollywood film musical traditions to British Caribbean carnivalswill show the diversity of the country and its former colonies.

The tribute will end in front of Buckingham where the national anthem, “God Save the Queen” will be sung and pop superstars will sing. Ed Sheeran, 31, author of hits like “Shape of You” will sing his song “Perfect” in honor of the country’s longest-serving monarch.

But first, and if the heavy rains announced on Sunday allow, up to 10 million people will take part in the thousands of picnics and potluck events planned across the UK.

More than 70,000 people have signed up for organized lunches in cities, towns and villages, with families, neighbors and entire communities willing to come together to share food and drink.

Many will prepare desserts selected by the contest, among the proposals of more than 5,000 amateur chefs, to commemorate this “Platinum Jubilee”.

This is the “trivial” layering lemon sponge cake, marmalade, cake cream, cookies, candied orange and white chocolate chunks in a large glass case, made by Jemma Melvin, a 31-year-old advertising copywriter from northwest England.

In Windsor, a town about 40 km west of England where the queen’s palace resides, An attempt will be made to break the record for the world’s largest picnic. If the British weather doesn’t mind.

(Based on information from AFP)

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