These days were proclaimed Bank Holidays by the British Government, in order to reserve a long weekend of celebrations for the Jubilee.
From the 2nd of June, and with its climax on Sunday the 5th, the Kingdom celebrated the 70th anniversary of the accession to the throne of Queen Elizabeth, who succeeded her father George VI at his death, which took place when she was twenty-five years of age.
The regret was not to see Prince Philip at the side of the Queen this time, after 74 years of marriage, because he passed away.
Elizabeth’s time on the throne has been full of successes, tragedies and court scandals.
In a family that would seem torn apart by hatred and poisons, only the image of the queen withstood once again everlasting criticism, reinforcing herself as an icon of the nation even on this occasion.
She is not, by anyone in the nation, seen as a potential threat to democracy but simply as a unifying symbol of the country.
I believe that Queen Elizabeth II carried out her role with profound constitutional respect other than the required protocol and she is well beloved by everyone in the Kingdom and beyond.
The British monarchy is an institution that by its nature is unable to alter the political framework and the queen has always cautiously refrained from expressing judgments on politics.
On the occasion of Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee this June there have been thousands of unmissable events across the UK, first and foremost the Trooping the Colour parade on June the 2nd certainly stood out.
It has been a spectacular event: 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians on parade moved along the Mall (the avenue) from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guard's Parade.
There, members of the Royal Family joined the parade on horseback and carriage, and Prince Charles replaced the Queen to inspect the mounted troops.
Another event was the Platinum Jubilee Beacons, the lighting of bonfires which is normally held for all big royal celebrations.
London (and all UK cities) were adorned with the traditional “bunting” which means decorating the shops, streets and balconies with flags and flag colours.
Shops were selling all the necessary to properly celebrate the occasion: from any possible souvenir with the Queen on it to plates, vases and even straws with the image of either the flag, the crown or the Queen.
The merchandising sold for this event has been truly unimaginable.
More than 5,000 events related to the Jubilee were registered and publicized, many of which were street block parties.
The Big Jubilee Lunch took place on June 5th when the entire nation “shared” a meal with the Queen, or better in her honour, by organizing a huge lunch with family, friends or colleagues or by attending a neighbourhood party.
Many people flooded the London parks to have a picnic or a barbecue.
In many places long tables were organized so people could eat together and have fun in what is considered the biggest community event of the year.
In bookshops I have seen books dedicated to the event, even in kids versions so the children can learn and remember Our Majesty the Queen.
On the 5th at exactly 9.45pm more than 2,000 lighthouses were lit across the UK, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, in recognition of the Queen's long-lasting service.
Members of the royal family witnessed the lighting of the main lighthouse in front of the Royal palace.
Simultaneously, choirs from all 53 Commonwealth countries sang a new Commonwealth anthem.
What else to say…long live the Queen!
Gadgets for Jubilee
