In early June 2012, large-scale celebrations took place in Great Britain dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Parades, cultural events and other social events were timed to coincide with the anniversary. During the reign of Elizabeth II, the attitude of ordinary citizens to her has not changed, most of the subjects of the British crown show respect, reverence and even love to their queen.
The celebration of the Queen began on June 2 and lasted until June 5, 2012. During the holiday, more than 9, 000 ceremonial events were held throughout the UK, including military ceremonies, concerts of famous artists, street processions. The successor to the throne, Prince Charles, patronized the festivities.
On the first day of the festivities, the queen visited the world famous Epsom Derby, where more than 150 thousand spectators were present. The motorcade of Elizabeth II, together with the royal retinue accompanying her, made a circle around the field, where horse racing is usually held. The audience warmly welcomed the Queen of Great Britain, in whose honor the national anthem of the country was performed. Even the traditional English weather - drizzling rain and gray clouds - could not overshadow the joy of the British.
A grand parade of ships was held on the Thames, already noted in the Guinness Book of Records. Such an abundance of watercraft has not been seen here before. At the center of the event, of course, was the queen, who appeared with her husband Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, and other family members on a special royal barge.
The descent of the flotilla was prepared for more than two years, coinciding with the queen's diamond anniversary. The parade was also attended by ships built more than two centuries ago, when Britain was an internationally recognized naval power. According to the press, more than ten thousand pounds were spent on organizing the water show.
A unique and peculiar gift was presented to the Queen by the British Parliament. In honor of Elizabeth II, they renamed one of the most important symbols of London - the world famous Big Ben. Officially, this is the name of the large bell on the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster, but usually the tower itself is also called Big Ben. Now it is called the "Tower of Elizabeth."
On June 4, Elizabeth II was congratulated on the holiday by Stevie Wonder, Tom Jones, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Robbie Williams, who spoke in the square in front of Buckingham Palace, RIA Novosti reports.
It should be noted that Elizabeth II was declared Queen of Great Britain in February 1952, after the death of King George VI. These celebrations are timed to coincide with the official celebration of the Queen's birthday, traditionally celebrated in early June. Elizabeth II usually celebrates her real birthday on April 21 in the family circle.
