Customers view a souvenir flag commemorating the platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth outside a shop in Windsor. Getty Images
Customers view a souvenir flag commemorating the platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth outside a shop in Windsor. Getty Images
Customers view a souvenir flag commemorating the platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth outside a shop in Windsor. Getty Images
Customers view a souvenir flag commemorating the platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth outside a shop in Windsor. Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth II platinum jubilee: Windsor welcomes the crowds on a royal scale


Laura O'Callaghan
  • English
  • Arabic

Residents of Windsor are no strangers to world-class events on their doorstep, but the royal town’s celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee will be unlike any event in living memory.

The queen's 70-year reign will be marked in a unique way at parties in the shadow of Windsor Castle over the four-day bank holiday weekend which culminates in nationwide street parties and a festive pageant on Sunday.

Fireworks, a gigantic picnic, a classic car show and a centuries-old traditional “ox roast” are expected to draw the biggest numbers of royal fans to the town since Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding in May 2018.

“We’ve had royal weddings, we’ve had royal funerals but they’re not unique,” Paul Roach, the Windsor town manager, told The National. "This particular occasion is unique in the true sense.

“People will want to celebrate and be part of what will be a unique occasion that certainly won’t happen [again] in our lifetime or in our children’s lifetime.

"So we’re going to try our best to mark the occasion for the unique occasion that it is.”

  • Workers add the final parts to the Tree of Trees sculpture, part of the Queen's Green Canopy Project. The sculpture, which will stand outside Buckingham Palace for the duration of the queen's platinum jubilee celebrations, consists of 350 native British trees planted in aluminium pots. Getty Images
    Workers add the final parts to the Tree of Trees sculpture, part of the Queen's Green Canopy Project. The sculpture, which will stand outside Buckingham Palace for the duration of the queen's platinum jubilee celebrations, consists of 350 native British trees planted in aluminium pots. Getty Images
  • Thomas Heatherwick, designer of the Tree of Trees sculpture, poses in front of Buckingham Palace. AFP
    Thomas Heatherwick, designer of the Tree of Trees sculpture, poses in front of Buckingham Palace. AFP
  • Royal superfan John Loughrey jumps for joy on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London, where he is already camped out for a prime position to view the platinum jubilee celebrations. PA
    Royal superfan John Loughrey jumps for joy on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London, where he is already camped out for a prime position to view the platinum jubilee celebrations. PA
  • Model-maker Paula Young places a Lego replica of Queen Elizabeth II in a display replicating the royal balcony scene at Buckingham Palace for the Legoland platinum jubilee display in Windsor. PA
    Model-maker Paula Young places a Lego replica of Queen Elizabeth II in a display replicating the royal balcony scene at Buckingham Palace for the Legoland platinum jubilee display in Windsor. PA
  • British Union flags are on display at Kirby Estate in London. EPA
    British Union flags are on display at Kirby Estate in London. EPA
  • The gold state coach passes the Houses of Parliament during an early morning rehearsal through London for Sunday's platinum jubilee pageant. PA
    The gold state coach passes the Houses of Parliament during an early morning rehearsal through London for Sunday's platinum jubilee pageant. PA
  • Workers hang bunting outside a hotel in central London. Reuters
    Workers hang bunting outside a hotel in central London. Reuters
  • Voyager and Rivet Joint aircraft perform in the sky for the queen's platinum jubilee fly-past rehearsal in Sleaford. EPA
    Voyager and Rivet Joint aircraft perform in the sky for the queen's platinum jubilee fly-past rehearsal in Sleaford. EPA
  • A view from a cockpit during the rehearsal. PA
    A view from a cockpit during the rehearsal. PA
  • Royal Marines drummers play for residents of Church Hill near Birmingham. The nationwide celebrations will mark the 70th anniversary of the queen's accession to the throne. PA
    Royal Marines drummers play for residents of Church Hill near Birmingham. The nationwide celebrations will mark the 70th anniversary of the queen's accession to the throne. PA
  • The 15-kilogram Queen's Platinum Jubilee coin, made with fine gold, is the largest coin made by the Royal Mint, produced in celebration of her 70-year milestone. PA
    The 15-kilogram Queen's Platinum Jubilee coin, made with fine gold, is the largest coin made by the Royal Mint, produced in celebration of her 70-year milestone. PA
  • Chelsea Pensioners Ted Fell, left, and George Reid pose as they view 'The Queen's Platinum Jubilee' display by Simon Lycett at Chelsea Flower Show in London. Reuters
    Chelsea Pensioners Ted Fell, left, and George Reid pose as they view 'The Queen's Platinum Jubilee' display by Simon Lycett at Chelsea Flower Show in London. Reuters
  • Union flags are displayed along The Mall in London. AP
    Union flags are displayed along The Mall in London. AP
  • Fiona Baxter makes Union flags at the Flying Colours Flagmakers factory in Knaresborough. Getty Images
    Fiona Baxter makes Union flags at the Flying Colours Flagmakers factory in Knaresborough. Getty Images
  • People stand underneath Union Jack flags hanging in Covent Garden, London. Reuters
    People stand underneath Union Jack flags hanging in Covent Garden, London. Reuters
  • Construction work at Buckingham Palace in London before Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee. EPA
    Construction work at Buckingham Palace in London before Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee. EPA
  • A display paying homage to Queen Elizabeth II is shown outside the Sloane Club in London, as part of 'Chelsea in Bloom'. AP
    A display paying homage to Queen Elizabeth II is shown outside the Sloane Club in London, as part of 'Chelsea in Bloom'. AP
  • One of eight London buses given a purple makeover to celebrate the jubilee makes its way across central London. PA
    One of eight London buses given a purple makeover to celebrate the jubilee makes its way across central London. PA
  • Jemma Melvin poses in Fortnum and Mason, central London, with her lemon Swiss roll trifle that beat 5,000 desserts to become the official pudding of the jubilee celebrations. PA
    Jemma Melvin poses in Fortnum and Mason, central London, with her lemon Swiss roll trifle that beat 5,000 desserts to become the official pudding of the jubilee celebrations. PA
  • A man has his photograph taken next to a life-size cardboard cut-out of Queen Elizabeth II displayed in a shop in Windsor. Getty Images
    A man has his photograph taken next to a life-size cardboard cut-out of Queen Elizabeth II displayed in a shop in Windsor. Getty Images
  • Flags designed by British fashion illustrator Anjelica Roselyn on display across South Molton Street in Mayfair to celebrate the jubilee. PA
    Flags designed by British fashion illustrator Anjelica Roselyn on display across South Molton Street in Mayfair to celebrate the jubilee. PA
  • People pass a shop window display commemorating the platinum jubilee in Windsor. Getty Images
    People pass a shop window display commemorating the platinum jubilee in Windsor. Getty Images
  • A knitted figure of the queen is displayed on top of a post box in Wallasey. Reuters
    A knitted figure of the queen is displayed on top of a post box in Wallasey. Reuters
  • Temporary structures are built around Buckingham Palace for the celebrations. Reuters
    Temporary structures are built around Buckingham Palace for the celebrations. Reuters
  • Linda Bainbridge and Miyuki Griffin put finishing touches to The Crown, Orb and Sceptre exhibit as part of 'A Festival of Flowers' at Salisbury Cathedral. PA
    Linda Bainbridge and Miyuki Griffin put finishing touches to The Crown, Orb and Sceptre exhibit as part of 'A Festival of Flowers' at Salisbury Cathedral. PA
  • A glittering banner stretches across Carnaby Street shopping district in London. EPA
    A glittering banner stretches across Carnaby Street shopping district in London. EPA
  • Lewis Wilde from Selkirk tests a gas-fuelled beacon he has made to signal the start of the celebrations, which will culminate with a four-day bank holiday in June. PA
    Lewis Wilde from Selkirk tests a gas-fuelled beacon he has made to signal the start of the celebrations, which will culminate with a four-day bank holiday in June. PA
  • The gold state coach stands in the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace. The coach will be used as part of the jubilee celebrations. Getty Images
    The gold state coach stands in the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace. The coach will be used as part of the jubilee celebrations. Getty Images
  • Union flags decorate a street Mayfair, London. EPA
    Union flags decorate a street Mayfair, London. EPA
  • Puppet-maker Louise Jones puts the finishing touches to her group of corgis, each based on past and present royal corgis, for the platinum jubilee pageant. AP Photo
    Puppet-maker Louise Jones puts the finishing touches to her group of corgis, each based on past and present royal corgis, for the platinum jubilee pageant. AP Photo
  • Grounds staff change bedding plants outside Buckingham Palace. Getty Images
    Grounds staff change bedding plants outside Buckingham Palace. Getty Images
  • A member of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets holding the Commonwealth of Nations' Globe on its arrival at the Tower of London. It will be on display until June 2, when it will be used to light Buckingham Palace's principal beacon. PA
    A member of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets holding the Commonwealth of Nations' Globe on its arrival at the Tower of London. It will be on display until June 2, when it will be used to light Buckingham Palace's principal beacon. PA
  • Power stilt artist Bouncy Bruce performs at the final unveiling of the platinum jubilee pageant at Bafta in London's West End. Reuters
    Power stilt artist Bouncy Bruce performs at the final unveiling of the platinum jubilee pageant at Bafta in London's West End. Reuters
  • Workers place a decorative crown at the top of a flag pole facing Buckingham Palace. Reuters
    Workers place a decorative crown at the top of a flag pole facing Buckingham Palace. Reuters
  • Abbey Marshall Leticia Edwards looks out at the view from the Henry VII roof of Westminster Abbey, which will be open to the public for the first time for guided tours, as part of its plans to celebrate the jubilee. PA
    Abbey Marshall Leticia Edwards looks out at the view from the Henry VII roof of Westminster Abbey, which will be open to the public for the first time for guided tours, as part of its plans to celebrate the jubilee. PA
  • Members of the Household Cavalry during a musical ride rehearsal at Hyde Park in London for the Royal Windsor horse show, as part of the jubilee celebration. Reuters
    Members of the Household Cavalry during a musical ride rehearsal at Hyde Park in London for the Royal Windsor horse show, as part of the jubilee celebration. Reuters
  • A gardener sows seeds into the moat surrounding the Tower of London that will grow into a 'superbloom' display to celebrate the jubilee later this year. Reuters
    A gardener sows seeds into the moat surrounding the Tower of London that will grow into a 'superbloom' display to celebrate the jubilee later this year. Reuters
  • Gilder Claire Wright applies gold paint by hand as she works to produce a platinum jubilee commemorative beaker for Goviers, as part of its Royal Commemoratives collection. AFP
    Gilder Claire Wright applies gold paint by hand as she works to produce a platinum jubilee commemorative beaker for Goviers, as part of its Royal Commemoratives collection. AFP
  • Members of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment take part in the Maj Gen's Inspection in Hyde Park. The ceremonial unit must pass the inspection to take part in state duties. EPA
    Members of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment take part in the Maj Gen's Inspection in Hyde Park. The ceremonial unit must pass the inspection to take part in state duties. EPA

‘If we surpass royal wedding numbers it will be an achievement’

About 130,000 royal fans lined gathered on the Long Walk in May 2018, many straining their necks in the hope of catching a glimpse of Prince Harry and his American wife on their wedding day.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s decision to be married in the small Berkshire town resulted in a major boost for Windsor’s businesses.

Mr Roach said that given the recent surge in tourism in the town after the lifting of Covid-19 and international travel restrictions, the jubilee celebrations could bring even greater numbers.

“There is an expectation that as the UK opens up to the rest of the world, that we will have international visitors,” he said.

“Our footfall is currently trending above what it was in 2019, pre-pandemic level. Added to that [are] events that we wouldn’t normally do, so the hope is our footfall will be higher.

People walk past a shop window display commemorating the platinum jubilee in Windsor. Getty Images
People walk past a shop window display commemorating the platinum jubilee in Windsor. Getty Images

“If we see the peak get higher than 2018 then that will be a real achievement. We’ve got a lot to look forward and there’s a bounce back. People will want to celebrate.”

While the organisers of such events are well rehearsed in catering for crowds, Mr Roach said trying to reduce the amount of waste generated remains a constant challenge.

Those in the mood to partake in celebrations are encouraged to bring their own food, drinks, cutlery and table cloths.

“If you look back at traditional street parties, you would go outside your front door, you’d bring food you provided, your own table cloth, your own napkins, your own fine china and cutlery, have your picnic and then go home," Mr Roach said.

"Other than the food waste part of it, you’re not generating plastic cups, knives and forks. The challenge for us is how do we make this the most sustainable event that we can have?”

“One of the things we’re trying to encourage, not just at our event but at all the events, is making sure they’re as sustainable as possible and that we’re not generating millions of tonnes of waste that will go into landfill. We’re trying to impress this upon everybody that comes.”

Thursday June 2

In keeping with royal jubilee tradition, an ox roast will be held on a green area known as Bachelor’s Acre to start the four-day festivities.

An ox was first roasted on the exact spot in October 1809 to celebrate King George III’s golden, or 50th, jubilee, and in 1887 the townsfolk gathered for a similar event to mark Queen Victoria’s 50 years on the throne.

This time it will be a little different, with vegetarian options available and a pop-up bar serving alcohol. The queen has agreed to donate the ox and proceeds of the gathering will go to charity.

Later that evening, royal fans will be invited to a beacon-lighting ceremony on the Long Walk outside the castle before the night sky will be lit up by fireworks.

Friday June 3

St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle will host a musical celebration of the queen’s seven decades of service.

Saturday June 4

The Long Walk, which stretches almost five kilometres from the castle to Copper Horse Statue, will host the Jubilee Picnic in the Park.

Seventy classic cars representing each year of the monarch’s historic reign will be parked up on the grass for revellers to admire, and local bands and singers will provide entertainment on a stage.

WINDSOR, ENGLAND - MAY 18: A man has his photograph taken next to a life-size cardboard cutout of Queen Elizabeth II displayed in a shop on May 18, 2022 in Windsor, England. The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II is being celebrated from June 2 to June 4, 2022, in the UK and Commonwealth to mark the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February 1952. (Photo by Carl Court / Getty Images)
WINDSOR, ENGLAND - MAY 18: A man has his photograph taken next to a life-size cardboard cutout of Queen Elizabeth II displayed in a shop on May 18, 2022 in Windsor, England. The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II is being celebrated from June 2 to June 4, 2022, in the UK and Commonwealth to mark the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February 1952. (Photo by Carl Court / Getty Images)

Giant TV screens will show live coverage of the jubilee party at Buckingham Palace. The event is free and booking is not required.

Across the river from Windsor, visitors will find Eton High Street transformed to host a traditional royal street party. All are welcome to attend but only those with tickets will be guaranteed a seat.

Sunday June 5

Windsor’s Big Lunch – The Long Table will cap off the celebrations. Tickets for a seat at the banquet have sold out and anyone planning to attend is encouraged to bring their own table, chairs or prepare to sit on the grass.

Prince Edward and his wife Sophie will be guests of honour at the event, which organisers hope will break a world record for the longest picnic table.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex will meet performers at the celebrations, a representative of the couple confirmed. Some of those who will be on hand to entertain the crowds include stilt walkers and balloon modellers.

Prince Charles and his wife Camilla will attend a similar Big Jubilee Lunch in London.

A member of the Legoland Windsor staff places a figure into a display recreating a platinum jubilee picnic scene in front of Windsor Castle. PA
A member of the Legoland Windsor staff places a figure into a display recreating a platinum jubilee picnic scene in front of Windsor Castle. PA

Pupils at schools in and around Windsor have for weeks been preparing for the Jubilee. In early May a group of children delivered a tapestry they had made to mark the queen’s historic milestone to the governor of Windsor Castle.

Some of those who will be on hand to entertain the crowds include stilt walkers and balloon modellers.

A 1,000-strong choir made up of students from several schools will perform The Long Walk, a song specially composed by singer-songwriter Emily Barden. The chorus goes: “Now is the time to jubilate. Courage, honour, pride as we journey down the Long Walk together, side by side”.

The group will perform the song at the Jubilee Picnic in the Park on Saturday and the Big Lunch on Sunday.

More than 85,000 people across the UK have registered to hold Big Jubilee Lunches over the four-day weekend. Farther afield, over 600 parties have been planned in Commonwealth nations including Canada, New Zealand and South Africa.

For tickets and further information about Windsor's platinum jubilee events see the local borough's website.

Jubilee celebrations through the years:

  • Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating her platinum jubilee in 2022. 'The National' looks back at jubilee celebrations during her reign. All photos: Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating her platinum jubilee in 2022. 'The National' looks back at jubilee celebrations during her reign. All photos: Getty Images
  • A portrait of the queen is displayed on the large screen at Piccadilly Circus in London to mark the start of the platinum jubilee in February.
    A portrait of the queen is displayed on the large screen at Piccadilly Circus in London to mark the start of the platinum jubilee in February.
  • Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth, Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Price Harry wave to the crowds from Buckingham Palace during the diamond jubilee celebrations in June 2012.
    Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth, Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Price Harry wave to the crowds from Buckingham Palace during the diamond jubilee celebrations in June 2012.
  • Queen Elizabeth is joined on stage by Prince Charles and performers during the diamond jubilee celebrations at a Buckingham Palace concert in June 2012.
    Queen Elizabeth is joined on stage by Prince Charles and performers during the diamond jubilee celebrations at a Buckingham Palace concert in June 2012.
  • Queen Elizabeth arrives at St Paul's Cathedral for a service of thanksgiving in June 2012 to mark her diamond jubilee.
    Queen Elizabeth arrives at St Paul's Cathedral for a service of thanksgiving in June 2012 to mark her diamond jubilee.
  • Queen Elizabeth meets Sir Elton John, Sir Cliff Richard, Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Tom Jones and Sir Paul McCartney backstage after the diamond jubilee Buckingham Palace concert in June 2012.
    Queen Elizabeth meets Sir Elton John, Sir Cliff Richard, Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Tom Jones and Sir Paul McCartney backstage after the diamond jubilee Buckingham Palace concert in June 2012.
  • Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge on board the 'Spirit of Chartwell' during the diamond jubilee pageant on the River Thames in June 2012.
    Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge on board the 'Spirit of Chartwell' during the diamond jubilee pageant on the River Thames in June 2012.
  • British expatriates living in New Delhi, India, take rides on Rupa, a rented elephant, at an event to celebrate the diamond jubilee at the British High Commission in June 2012.
    British expatriates living in New Delhi, India, take rides on Rupa, a rented elephant, at an event to celebrate the diamond jubilee at the British High Commission in June 2012.
  • Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip attend a diamond jubilee event at Stormont in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
    Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip attend a diamond jubilee event at Stormont in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
  • The queen's barge 'Spirit of Chartwell' passes under Tower Bridge in London, as part of her diamond jubilee Pageant on the River Thames.
    The queen's barge 'Spirit of Chartwell' passes under Tower Bridge in London, as part of her diamond jubilee Pageant on the River Thames.
  • Queen Elizabeth chats to people attending a street party in Sunderland, north-east England as part of her diamond jubilee tour in July 2012.
    Queen Elizabeth chats to people attending a street party in Sunderland, north-east England as part of her diamond jubilee tour in July 2012.
  • Members of the public admire a large floral crown made to mark the diamond jubilee in St James's Park, London in May 2012.
    Members of the public admire a large floral crown made to mark the diamond jubilee in St James's Park, London in May 2012.
  • The queen receives flowers from members of the public in Victoria Square, Birmingham during her diamond jubilee visit in July 2012.
    The queen receives flowers from members of the public in Victoria Square, Birmingham during her diamond jubilee visit in July 2012.
  • Members of the public cheer and wave flags as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip embark from Chelsea Harbour in London on the first part of their jubilee river pageant to celebrate the diamond jubilee in June 2012.
    Members of the public cheer and wave flags as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip embark from Chelsea Harbour in London on the first part of their jubilee river pageant to celebrate the diamond jubilee in June 2012.
  • Queen Elizabeth meets members of the public during a visit to Leeds, northern England to celebrate her diamond jubilee in July 2012.
    Queen Elizabeth meets members of the public during a visit to Leeds, northern England to celebrate her diamond jubilee in July 2012.
  • Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip ride in the Golden State Carriage at the head of a parade from Buckingham Palace to St Paul's Cathedral celebrating her golden jubilee in June 2002.
    Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip ride in the Golden State Carriage at the head of a parade from Buckingham Palace to St Paul's Cathedral celebrating her golden jubilee in June 2002.
  • Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip watch a fireworks display to celebrate her golden jubilee at Buckingham Palace in June 2002.
    Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip watch a fireworks display to celebrate her golden jubilee at Buckingham Palace in June 2002.
  • Queen Elizabeth is welcomed to Wells, south-west England during a tour of the UK in May 2002 to celebrate her golden jubilee.
    Queen Elizabeth is welcomed to Wells, south-west England during a tour of the UK in May 2002 to celebrate her golden jubilee.
  • Queen Elizabeth and her family wave to the crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace during celebrations of her golden jubilee in June 2002.
    Queen Elizabeth and her family wave to the crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace during celebrations of her golden jubilee in June 2002.
  • Lina Sultana, 8, has her face painted at a golden jubilee street party in June 2002 in Stepney, east London.
    Lina Sultana, 8, has her face painted at a golden jubilee street party in June 2002 in Stepney, east London.
  • A dog sports a Union flag during the golden jubilee celebrations in Stepney in 2002.
    A dog sports a Union flag during the golden jubilee celebrations in Stepney in 2002.
  • Queen Elizabeth addresses the British Parliament in the run-up to her silver jubilee at Westminster Hall, London in May 1977.
    Queen Elizabeth addresses the British Parliament in the run-up to her silver jubilee at Westminster Hall, London in May 1977.
  • Residents in celebrate in Brixton, south London, after they won a competition for the best decorated street to celebrate the silver jubilee in June 1977.
    Residents in celebrate in Brixton, south London, after they won a competition for the best decorated street to celebrate the silver jubilee in June 1977.
  • A double-decker bus in livery commemorating the silver jubilee on the Thames Embankment in London.
    A double-decker bus in livery commemorating the silver jubilee on the Thames Embankment in London.
  • A young boy holding two British flags and a cup with the jubilee logo, celebrates the silver jubilee in Trafalgar Square, central London in June 1977.
    A young boy holding two British flags and a cup with the jubilee logo, celebrates the silver jubilee in Trafalgar Square, central London in June 1977.
  • Vic Hiscoke shows his support of the British monarch during her silver jubilee in June 1977.
    Vic Hiscoke shows his support of the British monarch during her silver jubilee in June 1977.
  • Queen Elizabeth in Deptford, south-east London, during a walkabout to commemorate her silver jubilee in June 1977.
    Queen Elizabeth in Deptford, south-east London, during a walkabout to commemorate her silver jubilee in June 1977.
  • People celebrate the silver jubilee in Fulham, south-west London in May 1977.
    People celebrate the silver jubilee in Fulham, south-west London in May 1977.
  • A Scots Guard takes a picture during the silver jubilee celebrations at Buckingham Palace.
    A Scots Guard takes a picture during the silver jubilee celebrations at Buckingham Palace.
  • Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip on the River Thames travelling from Greenwich to Lambeth, London in June 1977.
    Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip on the River Thames travelling from Greenwich to Lambeth, London in June 1977.
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The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.

Women%E2%80%99s%20Asia%20Cup
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Company%20profile
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%E2%80%98FSO%20Safer%E2%80%99%20-%20a%20ticking%20bomb
%3Cp%3EThe%20%3Cem%3ESafer%3C%2Fem%3E%20has%20been%20moored%20off%20the%20Yemeni%20coast%20of%20Ras%20Issa%20since%201988.%3Cbr%3EThe%20Houthis%20have%20been%20blockading%20UN%20efforts%20to%20inspect%20and%20maintain%20the%20vessel%20since%202015%2C%20when%20the%20war%20between%20the%20group%20and%20the%20Yemen%20government%2C%20backed%20by%20the%20Saudi-led%20coalition%20began.%3Cbr%3ESince%20then%2C%20a%20handful%20of%20people%20acting%20as%20a%20%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ae%2Furl%3Fsa%3Dt%26rct%3Dj%26q%3D%26esrc%3Ds%26source%3Dweb%26cd%3D%26ved%3D2ahUKEwiw2OfUuKr4AhVBuKQKHTTzB7cQFnoECB4QAQ%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.thenationalnews.com%252Fworld%252Fmena%252Fyemen-s-floating-bomb-tanker-millions-kept-safe-by-skeleton-crew-1.1104713%26usg%3DAOvVaw0t9FPiRsx7zK7aEYgc65Ad%22%20target%3D%22_self%22%3Eskeleton%20crew%3C%2Fa%3E%2C%20have%20performed%20rudimentary%20maintenance%20work%20to%20keep%20the%20%3Cem%3ESafer%3C%2Fem%3E%20intact.%3Cbr%3EThe%20%3Cem%3ESafer%3C%2Fem%3E%20is%20connected%20to%20a%20pipeline%20from%20the%20oil-rich%20city%20of%20Marib%2C%20and%20was%20once%20a%20hub%20for%20the%20storage%20and%20export%20of%20crude%20oil.%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20%3Cem%3ESafer%3C%2Fem%3E%E2%80%99s%20environmental%20and%20humanitarian%20impact%20may%20extend%20well%20beyond%20Yemen%2C%20experts%20believe%2C%20into%20the%20surrounding%20waters%20of%20Saudi%20Arabia%2C%20Djibouti%20and%20Eritrea%2C%20impacting%20marine-life%20and%20vital%20infrastructure%20like%20desalination%20plans%20and%20fishing%20ports.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The%20Little%20Mermaid%20
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Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Yabi%20by%20Souqalmal%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMay%202022%2C%20launched%20June%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAmbareen%20Musa%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20u%3C%2Fstrong%3Endisclosed%20but%20soon%20to%20be%20announced%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E12%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eseed%C2%A0%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EShuaa%20Capital%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The struggle is on for active managers

David Einhorn closed out 2018 with his biggest annual loss ever for the 22-year-old Greenlight Capital.

The firm’s main hedge fund fell 9 per cent in December, extending this year’s decline to 34 percent, according to an investor update viewed by Bloomberg.

Greenlight posted some of the industry’s best returns in its early years, but has stumbled since losing more than 20 per cent in 2015.

Other value-investing managers have also struggled, as a decade of historically low interest rates and the rise of passive investing and quant trading pushed growth stocks past their inexpensive brethren. Three Bays Capital and SPO Partners & Co., which sought to make wagers on undervalued stocks, closed in 2018. Mr Einhorn has repeatedly expressed his frustration with the poor performance this year, while remaining steadfast in his commitment to value investing.

Greenlight, which posted gains only in May and October, underperformed both the broader market and its peers in 2018. The S&P 500 Index dropped 4.4 per cent, including dividends, while the HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index, an early indicator of industry performance, fell 7 per cent through December. 28.

At the start of the year, Greenlight managed $6.3 billion in assets, according to a regulatory filing. By May, the firm was down to $5.5bn. 

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

RoboCop%3A%20Rogue%20City
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETeyon%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENacon%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsole%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PlayStation%205%2C%20Xbox%20Series%20X%2FS%20and%20PC%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: BorrowMe (BorrowMe.com)

Date started: August 2021

Founder: Nour Sabri

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: E-commerce / Marketplace

Size: Two employees

Funding stage: Seed investment

Initial investment: $200,000

Investors: Amr Manaa (director, PwC Middle East) 

pakistan Test squad

Azhar Ali (capt), Shan Masood, Abid Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Fawad Alam, Haris Sohail, Imran Khan, Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Abbas, Yasir Shah, Usman Shinwari

Company profile

Date started: 2015

Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki

Based: Dubai

Sector: Online grocery delivery

Staff: 200

Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends

No%20Windmills%20in%20Basra
%3Cp%3EAuthor%3A%20Diaa%20Jubaili%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPages%3A%20180%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPublisher%3A%20Deep%20Vellum%20Publishing%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
AUSTRALIA SQUAD

Aaron Finch, Matt Renshaw, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine (captain), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Jon Holland, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle

The Bio

Favourite vegetable: “I really like the taste of the beetroot, the potatoes and the eggplant we are producing.”

Holiday destination: “I like Paris very much, it’s a city very close to my heart.”

Book: “Das Kapital, by Karl Marx. I am not a communist, but there are a lot of lessons for the capitalist system, if you let it get out of control, and humanity.”

Musician: “I like very much Fairuz, the Lebanese singer, and the other is Umm Kulthum. Fairuz is for listening to in the morning, Umm Kulthum for the night.”

Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
  • Option 3: 30% across five years 
The lowdown

Badla

Rating: 2.5/5

Produced by: Red Chillies, Azure Entertainment 

Director: Sujoy Ghosh

Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Amrita Singh, Tony Luke

Results

2.15pm: Handicap Dh80,000 1,950m

Winner: Hello, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihi (trainer).

2.45pm: Handicap Dh90,000 1,800m

Winner: Right Flank, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.

3.15pm: Handicap Dh115,000 1,000m

Winner: Leading Spirit, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.

3.45pm: Jebel Ali Mile Group 3 Dh575,000 1,600m

Winner: Chiefdom, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.

4.15pm: Handicap Dh105,000 1,400m

Winner: Ode To Autumn, Patrick Cosgrave, Satish Seemar.

4.45pm: Shadwell Farm Conditions Dh125,000 1,200m

Winner: Last Surprise, James Doyle, Simon Crisford.

5.15pm: Handicap Dh85,000 1,200m

Winner: Daltrey, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihi.

Liverpool's all-time goalscorers

Ian Rush 346
Roger Hunt 285
Mohamed Salah 250
Gordon Hodgson 241
Billy Liddell 228

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Alaan%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202021%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Parthi%20Duraisamy%20and%20Karun%20Kurien%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%247%20million%20raised%20in%20total%20%E2%80%94%20%242.5%20million%20in%20a%20seed%20round%20and%20%244.5%20million%20in%20a%20pre-series%20A%20round%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
FIXTURES

December 28
Stan Wawrinka v Pablo Carreno Busta, 5pm
Milos Raonic v Dominic Thiem, no earlier then 7pm

December 29 - semi-finals
Rafael Nadal v Stan Wawrinka / Pablo Carreno Busta, 5pm
Novak Djokovic v Milos Raonic / Dominic Thiem, no earlier then 7pm

December 30
3rd/4th place play-off, 5pm
Final, 7pm

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

The Florida Project

Director: Sean Baker

Starring: Bria Vinaite, Brooklynn Prince, Willem Dafoe

Four stars

Updated: June 03, 2022, 11:49 AM