Well it is all over, shame about the weather. Did it live up to Canaletto's painting? Well I actually think it came quite close, more so if the sun had shone.
The Queen, in high heels, aged 86 years and Prince Philip, aged 90 years must have constitutions made of steel. They did not sit down for the whole 4 hours. Many people of a younger age would be wheeled around or guided along with helping hands and sticks.
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| The royal chairs that remained unused by either the Queen or Prince Philip |
I bet Camilla was dying for a 'fag' by the end. She probably managed to find a ladies at the end of it all where she could dash in for a quick one.
One has to wonder where Britain gets all of it's money from to set up such an elaborate display. Secretly, just between ourselves, I think that we have a little gold mine hidden away in the misty hills, or possibly a magic pot of never diminishing gold coins belonging to the wee fairy folk that they share with us.
I did admire the wonderful rendering of Rule Britannia from the Philharmonic Women's Choir; singing their hearts out, with the rain pouring down their faces. The British spirit remains undiminished.
images via Getty and Reuters
Dear Rosemary, yours are the first images I have seen of the celebration as we have no TV at our old house. It looks beautiful. I never wear heels and am confident I could not stand in them for four hours. Olive
ReplyDeleteDear Olive - I think I would have a problem standing for 4 hours in flat shoes. They really are both remarkably agile for their ages.
DeleteDear Rosemary. Incredible day. The chamber choir from Royal College of Music deserve some kind of medal surely! Did anybody know you had access to the top of Tower bridge to get that photo!
ReplyDeleteYes, there is a lift for authorised persons, when it reaches the top you then have to climb a steep ladder, not for the faint hearted!
DeleteBeautiful painting, beautiful pictures, colourful in spite of the rainy weather. Must have been a really festive day in Britain yesterday.
ReplyDeleteBye,
Marian
Dear Marian - the thing about these occasions is the British public, and overseas ones too. They stand there regardless of the weather cheering everything that moves, and there was plenty on the move yesterday. Today we have our own little celebration with a BBQ and at the moment the skies are blue.
DeleteWonderful photos. As it is a Public Holiday here in New Zealand we won't get our news until this evening. There was even a Maori waka (canoe) on the river.
ReplyDeleteDear Susan - The Maori waka was a highlight - they made a spectacular contribution to the scene with their black and white paddles and traditional costumes.
DeleteDearest Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteThanks for helping me out with the yellow flower's name!
You have a great post about the British river pageant. Lovely day, despite the rain. But indeed, one wonders about the price tag.
Wishing you a lovely week ahead.
Love,
Mariette
Glad to be of help Mariette.
DeleteIt is typical isn't it? Days of balmy, wonderful weather, and then the clouds open just when you do not want them. The main beneficiary of course was the garden, which was becoming so parched.
Thanks for your visit.
Hurrah! I can comment again! Yes, it was quite a show, Rosemary. I love your Camilla comment :-D
ReplyDeleteWe have both been having problems with comments - you couldn't and I keep getting told off.
DeleteIt must have been quite exciting for you being a Roving Reporter yesterday Kate, I liked your photos and report.
It looks all very colorful and cheerful and fabulous! I would have loved to see it all! Anyway, London is I think THE city for me! Thanks for your beautiful and humorous post! Christa
ReplyDeleteDear Christa - glad you enjoyed both the humour and the post.
DeleteDear Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteGreat post and great shots as always.
I wonder how they are able to stand for 4 hours.
Mette
Dear Mette - I certainly could not stand in the same spot for 4 hours, and I am nowhere near their age. The queen was even wearing quite high heeled shoes.
DeleteI followed the story of the life of your queen on BBC world news on sunday morning. And what did I see the little white house of Beatrice, you have been writing about some time ago. Sometimes we forget they are just people like you and me. But believe me Rosemary I am so pleased I did not grow up in the royal's shoes. I always have the idea they grew up and live as a bird in the golden cage.
ReplyDeleteDear Marijke - how right you are. My husband always says it is a denial of their human rights to have to live that way. They may have everything that they wish for, but they do not have the freedom to do what you and I do. Just simple things like popping into the Supermarket or going down the road to see a friend.
Delete