Living monarch with the longest reign in the world and the second longest in history so far, the Queen Elizabeth II celebrates the Platinum Jubilee this year .
That is, the current Queen of the United Kingdom and 14 more independent states complete 70 years on the throne – which means festivities will take over Britain for days and months to come.
Elizabeth II was crowned in February 1952, but traditionally, celebrations take place in later months. In this year, the Official celebrations last four days and begin this Thursday, June 2nd, and end on Sunday, the 5th.
Among the ceremonies, Thursday (2) is marked by the military parade “Trooping the Color ” and by aircraft overflights in central London; on Saturday (4) concerts are scheduled outside the Buckingham Palacesuch as the rock group Queen, the band Duran Duran and the singer Diana Ross.
Street parties and parades in the British capital take place on Sunday (5), but anyone who thinks that the celebrations end there is wrong.
Imbued with the festive spirit, a series of events, including tours, afternoon teas and cultural events, hitch a ride on the Platinum Jubilee and guarantee intense programming in the outskirts of London for the next few months. Check out the schedule in the English capital below:
royal gardens
From June 1st, 20 million seeds will be planted around the London Tower on the north bank of the River Thames, in an event called “Superbloom”, or superbloom, in celebration of the jubilee.
Thus, London’s spring will be marked by the display of flowers in the heart of the city, which will be the stage for biodiversity for wildlife. Sculptures and sound installations will also be part of the experience, which will be open to the public – no appointment needed.
From the 25th of July to the 2nd of October, the Buckingham Palace will launch a tour where visitors will be able to see up close where the queen lives during the summer months, with visits to the royal rooms combined with walking tours of the palace gardens. Admission for adults is £11.50 and advance booking on the website is recommended.
Buckingham Stables are also open from May 19 to October 2, and tourists will be able to come across historic royal carriages.
city tours
Between June 2nd and 5th, London sights such as the Palace of Westminster and the Tower of London can be enjoyed with a afternoon tea during a themed cruise of the Platinum Jubilee along the River Thames. Operated by City Cruises UK, the tour lasts 2 hours and costs £74.
In the evening, the same company will offer night cruises with a four-course menu inspired by the monarchy. Also entitled to a glass of champagne and live music, the tour starts at £139.
Between May 1st and July 31st, a typical B-bakery red double-decker bus tour the main sights of the English capital alongside a guide who will tell you more about the royal family and how Elizabeth II likes to have her tea – afternoon tea will also be served along the way. The tour lasts about 1h30 and adults pay £50.
themed drinks
With an eye on the Platinum Jubilee, the luxury hotel InterContinental London Park Lane located in the Mayfair neighborhood, has created twelve cocktails inspired by some of the most famous exhibits from The Royal Collection, a royal collection that has kept treasures from kings and queens for over 500 years.
Each drink from The Royal Cocktail Collection, as the menu was named, costs £16 and has its own history and inspiration – as is the case with “The Royal Family”, a drink that takes St. Germain, apricot, peach and champagne.
already the The Goring London’s last family-owned luxury hotel, half a mile from Buckingham Palace, serves two new cocktails in its famous bar in honor of the Queen from her jubilee.
Among the creations are the Jubilee Fizz, a champagne drink with Beirão and peach liqueurs, and the Coronation Cup, Her Majesty’s favorite aperitif, which includes gin and Dubonnet.
Other hotels and bars also prepared special afternoon teas to commemorate the date, as well as various cultural programs rocking the city. Check the full list of events here in commemoration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Source: CNN Brasil
