22,000 people had received tickets to the concert and filled the stands that had been set up, while another million could watch the concert on TV on the occasion of the queen’s 70 years on the throne.
Rock stars Queen + Adam Lambert opened the concert, and guitarist Brian May made it clear that he was overjoyed and honored to be part of it. Others who were ready to contribute included Alicia Keys, Rod Stewart and Sam Ryder, who finished second in Eurovision.
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Queen guitarist Brian May opened tonight’s concert. Photo: Alberto Pezzali / AP / NTB
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Queen guitarist Brian May and Adam Lambert on stage in front of Buckingham Palace. Photo: Alberto Pezzali / AP / NTB
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Rod Stewart performed the Neil Diamond song “Sweet Caroline”. Photo: Alastair Grant / AP / NTB
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Diana Ross was on a British stage for the first time in 15 years, before she will participate in the Glastonbury Festival next month. Photo: Alastair Grant / AP / NTB
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Italian opera star Andrea Bocelli was among the opening artists. Photo: Alastair Grant / AP / NTB
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Duran Duran, Nile Rodgers and Ms Banks were among the many artists at tonight’s concert. Photo: Humphrey Nemar / AP / NTB
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– It’s great to be back, Queen guitarist May told the BBC before the concert, referring to the Queen’s 50th birthday on the throne in 2002 when he stood on the roof of Buckingham Palace and played “God Save the Queen”.
Both Crown Prince Charles and his eldest son Prince William were present, while the queen herself stayed at home because she did not feel completely well after standing for a long time on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on Thursday.
Life out
In his speech, Prince Charles paid tribute to his mother.
– THE ROYAL FAMILY: The royal family was strongly represented during the concert on Saturday night. Photo: NIKLAS HALLE’N / AFP / NTB
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– You laugh and cry with us and, most importantly, have been there for us, in these 70 years, he said.
He said that what gets the mother out of bed in the morning is to earn land. He thanked the world on her behalf, writes BBC.
– You have been with us in our difficult times. And you gather us to celebrate moments of pride, joy and happiness, said Carsles.
He further said that the queen, who he describes as strong, has plans to sit for life and continue to deliver as queen.
– Drones formed patterns and wrote words of thanks to the Queen of Heaven over Buckingham Palace. Photo: Dominic Lipinski / PA / AP / NTB
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– Your Majesty: thank you !, he concluded.
Appeared with Paddington
When the concert started on Saturday, Queen Elizabeth surprisingly appeared on the big screen in a pre-recorded comedy scene where she was given tea by the bear Paddington, known from children’s books and movies.
– Congratulations on the anniversary, ma’am, and thank you. After all, the bear says to the queen as they jokingly share their love for sandwiches with jam.
– It’s very kind of you, the queen answers, before the couple starts drumming the rhythm of “We Will Rock You” on their saucers with silver spoons.
Illuminated castle
Not only music stars were on stage. Also David Beckham, James Bond actress Daniel Craig and former US First Lady Michelle Obama paid tribute to the Queen.
Buckingham Palace was majestically lit throughout the evening.
– Buckingham Palace was lit with pictures of the Queen during Duran Duran’s concert. Photo: Hannah McKay / AP / NTB
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The concert lasted for two and a half hours. The queen was not physically present, but it was said that she watched the concert on TV in Windsor Castle.
On the other hand, Prince Charles and his eldest son Prince William, among others, were present at the concert. Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, however, were not at the concert. But the latter couple were present during the festive service in St. Paul’s Cathedral on Friday.
The celebration of the queen’s 70 years on the throne began on Thursday and lasts for four days and ends on Sunday.
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