Rock stars celebrate Elizabeth II “superwoman” with emotional concert in London

To the rhythm of “Superwoman” by Alicia Keys, with images of the life of Elizabeth II projected on the facade of Buckingham Palace, the world of music paid an emotional tribute to the queen on Saturday for her 70 years on the throne.

Dozens of musicians, dancers and representatives of British sport and the arts took part in a gigantic concert in London on the third day of the “platinum jubilee”.

The organizers had promised surprises and they did not disappoint. A video of the 96-year-old monarch having tea with Paddington Bear, in which she recognized with a mischievous smile that she was carrying a jam sandwich in her inseparable bag, opened the show with humor.

Hitting the porcelain cups with their silver spoons to the rhythm of “We Will Rock You”, the monarch and the famous animated bear gave way to the legendary Queen, along with American singer Adam Lambert.

Guitarist Brian May emulated his 2002 feat when he played on the roof of the palace for the “golden jubilee”, and once again went high with his guitar, this time in front of the statue of Queen Victoria.

Some 22,000 people watched the show live, including Prince Charles, the 73-year-old heir to the throne, and his wife Camilla. Prince William, 39, second in line for succession, was accompanied by Catalina and her children, Jorge, 8, and Carlota, 7.

Acclaimed, the young and popular prince thanked his grandmother for her defense of the environment, while his father recalled that the queen, the longest-serving monarch in British history, has made “and continues to make history.”

Among the lucky ones who got tickets, David Hitchins, invited for his work for British public health, recognized himself “very excited to be here”.

Other tens of thousands of people followed the concert on giant screens from central London and millions on television, such as the monarch herself, who, tired of the celebrations on the first day, had to cancel her presence at various events of her “platinum jubilee” .

Passionate about equestrian, the queen resigned to attend the 243rd edition of the most prestigious race in the country, the Derby held on Epsom Downs, about 30 km from London, on Saturday.

After appearing standing on the balcony of the palace on Thursday to inaugurate the four days of festivities, she felt “a certain discomfort”, which on Friday already led her to cancel her presence at a massive thanksgiving mass.

Isabel II’s health has been a concern since doctors ordered her to rest in October and she spent a night hospitalized to undergo medical “tests”. Since then, she canceled her presence in numerous official acts and began to walk with a cane.

Saturday was also the first birthday of Lilibet, the youngest daughter of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who traveled from California, where they have lived since they distanced themselves from the British monarchy in 2020.

Setting aside the tension caused when an unnamed member of the monarchy was accused of racism, the couple dined with the royal family on Thursday, according to media reports. On Saturday, its members wished the little girl a “very happy first birthday” on Twitter.

During the day, hundreds of thousands of people celebrated the 70th anniversary of Elizabeth II’s reign with endless street parties.

“It’s a great opportunity for us all to come together after the last two years” of the pandemic, James Hughesdon, a reverend in the London neighborhood of Islington, told AFP.

“We’ll never see anything like this again because obviously next time we’ll have a king, this is our last queen and I think she’s magnificent,” said Wendy Flynn, a neighbor.

Iconic figures of pop and rock paraded through the stages in front of the palace, from Duran Duran to Rod Stewart, passing through Elton John, who did it by video when he was on tour.

Numerous personalities sent recorded messages, including former United States First Lady Michelle Obama, who declared herself “deeply honored to have shared moments” with Elizabeth II.

There was no lack of emotional images or archive audio of the queen. Nor international artists such as the American Alicia Keys, one of whom sang her “Superwoman” dedicated to the monarch, and Diana Ross, 78, who closed the concert with her first live performance in the United Kingdom in 15 years.

The jubilee celebrations, which began on Thursday with a large military march, will end on Sunday with another parade, this one more festive, to stage the 70-year reign of Elizabeth II with music and dance. And dozens of picnics and meals in the open air if the forecast rain that day does not prevent it.

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