In early June 2012, large-scale celebrations dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II were held in Great Britain. Parades, cultural and other public events were timed to coincide with the anniversary. During the reign of Elizabeth II, the attitude of ordinary citizens towards her has not changed, most of the subjects of the British crown show respect, reverence and even love to their queen.
Honoring the Queen began on June 2 and lasted until June 5, 2012. During the holiday, a total of more than 9,000 events were held throughout the UK, including military ceremonies, concerts of famous performers, and street processions. The heir to the throne, Prince Charles, patronized the celebrations.
On the first day of the celebrations, the Queen visited the world famous Epsom Derby, which was attended by over 150 thousand spectators. The cortege of Elizabeth II, along with her accompanying royal retinue, made a circle around the entire field, where horse races are usually held. The audience warmly greeted 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 darken the joy of the British.
A grandiose parade of ships was held on the Thames, already noted in the Guinness Book of Records. Such an abundance of floating craft has not been seen here before. At the center of the event, of course, was the queen, who appeared with her husband Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and other family members on a special royal barge.
The descent of the flotilla was prepared for more than two years, timed to coincide with the Queen's diamond jubilee. The parade was also attended by ships built more than two centuries ago, when Britain was an internationally recognized maritime power. According to the press, more than ten thousand pounds sterling was spent on the organization of the water show.
A unique and original gift was presented to the Queen by the British Parliament. In honor of Elizabeth II, one of the most important symbols of London, the world famous Big Ben, was renamed. Officially, this is the name of the large bell on the clock tower of Westminster Palace, but usually the tower itself is called Big Ben. Now it bears the name "Elizabeth Tower".
On June 4, Elizabeth II was congratulated on the holiday by Stevie Wonder, Tom Jones, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Robbie Williams, who performed on 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. The current 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 - April 21 - in the family circle.
