Queen Elizabeth II appears on the balcony of Buckingham Palace at the end of the platinum jubilee pageant on Sunday, day four of her celebrations. PA
Queen Elizabeth II appears on the balcony of Buckingham Palace at the end of the platinum jubilee pageant on Sunday, day four of her celebrations. PA
Queen Elizabeth II appears on the balcony of Buckingham Palace at the end of the platinum jubilee pageant on Sunday, day four of her celebrations. PA
Queen Elizabeth II appears on the balcony of Buckingham Palace at the end of the platinum jubilee pageant on Sunday, day four of her celebrations. PA

Top highlights from Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee weekend


Soraya Ebrahimi
  • English
  • Arabic

It has been an action-packed long weekend for the platinum jubilee, with Queen Elizabeth II appearing on the balcony at Buckingham Palace, flag-waving Windsors and an unexpected royal double act with a famous bear.

Here are some of the highlights from the four days of festivities.

The jubilee queen

After 70 years on the throne, the queen remains the leading lady with the crowds roaring and erupting into three cheers as she stepped on to the Palace balcony, not once but twice, on the first day.

But the brief appearances left the monarch tired.

Queen Elizabeth, 96, rallied to attend a special beacon lighting at Windsor Castle in the evening.

But the palace announced she would be missing the church service on the Friday.

Then, as the finale, she appeared on the balcony after the Pageant on Sunday, bringing the proceedings to a close.

Dressed in a vibrant green double crepe wool dress and coat, she was flanked by a "magnificent seven" of future kings and queens and great-grandchildren as the crowds sang the national anthem.

Scenes on The Mall

The Great British public took to the celebrations with gusto, with hundreds of thousands of flag-waving royal fans packing on to The Mall in central London.

Spring sunshine set the mood for jubilant scenes on Thursday as the crowds gathered in honour of the monarch after the Trooping the Colour spectacle on Thursday.

Louis steals the show

The youngest Cambridge sibling provided the entertainment and captured hearts from the palace balcony.

Louis, 4, let out a howl and covered his ears during the jubilee flypast, with his “Gan Gan” the queen sweetly interacting with her great-grandson, leaning down to chat to him and point out the planes.

He sat on his grandpa, the Prince of Wales’ lap at the jubilee pageant and gave his mum the Duchess of Cambridge a kiss on the cheek and a cuddle.

He stood on his chair, waved his hands in the air, wriggled around and stuck his finger in his ear during the show.

Day 4 of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations - in pictures

  • The Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla during the Big Jubilee Lunch, with tables set up on the pitch at The Oval cricket ground in London on day four of the platinum jubilee celebrations. PA
    The Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla during the Big Jubilee Lunch, with tables set up on the pitch at The Oval cricket ground in London on day four of the platinum jubilee celebrations. PA
  • People set up tables for the Big Jubilee Lunch on The Long Walk in Windsor. Millions of people are expected to attend 'Big Jubilee Lunch' picnics as the long weekend of festivities to honour the queen's platinum jubilee concludes. AFP
    People set up tables for the Big Jubilee Lunch on The Long Walk in Windsor. Millions of people are expected to attend 'Big Jubilee Lunch' picnics as the long weekend of festivities to honour the queen's platinum jubilee concludes. AFP
  • Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, arrives for the Big Jubilee Lunch at The Oval cricket ground. AP Photo
    Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, arrives for the Big Jubilee Lunch at The Oval cricket ground. AP Photo
  • People gather for the Big Jubilee Lunch on The Long Walk in Windsor. AFP
    People gather for the Big Jubilee Lunch on The Long Walk in Windsor. AFP
  • Britain's Princess Beatrice, centre, and Princess Eugenie are presented with flowers as they arrive at the Big Jubilee Lunch organised by Westminster Council for local volunteer and community groups. AP Photo
    Britain's Princess Beatrice, centre, and Princess Eugenie are presented with flowers as they arrive at the Big Jubilee Lunch organised by Westminster Council for local volunteer and community groups. AP Photo
  • Participants pose for a picture with a cardboard cut-out of the queen on The Long Walk in Windsor. AFP
    Participants pose for a picture with a cardboard cut-out of the queen on The Long Walk in Windsor. AFP
  • A reveller arrives to attend a street party in Ashby-de-la-Zouch in central England as part of the platinum jubilee celebrations. AFP
    A reveller arrives to attend a street party in Ashby-de-la-Zouch in central England as part of the platinum jubilee celebrations. AFP
  • Prince Charles looks at decorations at The Oval cricket ground. Reuters
    Prince Charles looks at decorations at The Oval cricket ground. Reuters
  • A picnic table is decorated with cut-outs depicting Britain's Queen Elizabeth in Windsor. Reuters
    A picnic table is decorated with cut-outs depicting Britain's Queen Elizabeth in Windsor. Reuters
  • People dance at Blackpool Tower Ballroom during the platinum jubilee celebrations. Reuters
    People dance at Blackpool Tower Ballroom during the platinum jubilee celebrations. Reuters
  • A woman celebrating ahead of the Big Jubilee Lunch on The Long Walk in Windsor. AFP
    A woman celebrating ahead of the Big Jubilee Lunch on The Long Walk in Windsor. AFP
  • A man dressed as a king hangs decorations as he takes part in the Big Jubilee Lunch in Windsor. Reuters
    A man dressed as a king hangs decorations as he takes part in the Big Jubilee Lunch in Windsor. Reuters
  • Spectators cross the Mall before the Platinum Jubilee Pageant in front of Buckingham Palace on day four of the celebrations. PA
    Spectators cross the Mall before the Platinum Jubilee Pageant in front of Buckingham Palace on day four of the celebrations. PA
  • Balloons are hung ahead of the Big Jubilee Lunch on The Long Walk in Windsor. AFP
    Balloons are hung ahead of the Big Jubilee Lunch on The Long Walk in Windsor. AFP
  • People pose for selfies on the Mall ahead of the start of the Platinum Jubilee Pageant in front of Buckingham Palace. PA
    People pose for selfies on the Mall ahead of the start of the Platinum Jubilee Pageant in front of Buckingham Palace. PA
  • Performers dressed as farm animals parade during the Platinum Pageant in London. EPA
    Performers dressed as farm animals parade during the Platinum Pageant in London. EPA
  • Performers on the 1960s bus take part in the Platinum Pageant. AFP
    Performers on the 1960s bus take part in the Platinum Pageant. AFP
  • Performers take part in the Platinum Pageant in London as part of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. AFP
    Performers take part in the Platinum Pageant in London as part of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. AFP
  • Former Olympic swimmer Duncan Goodhew and opera singer Katherine Jenkins arrive at the pageant. PA
    Former Olympic swimmer Duncan Goodhew and opera singer Katherine Jenkins arrive at the pageant. PA
  • Performers in the pageant. AFP
    Performers in the pageant. AFP
  • TV presenter Timmy Mallett at the pageant. PA
    TV presenter Timmy Mallett at the pageant. PA
  • TV presenters John Craven, Chris Tarrant and Johnny Ball at the pageant. PA
    TV presenters John Craven, Chris Tarrant and Johnny Ball at the pageant. PA
  • A participant prepares for the pageant. PA
    A participant prepares for the pageant. PA
  • Sir Cliff Richard climbs onboard the 1950s bus at Horse Guards Parade for the pageant. PA
    Sir Cliff Richard climbs onboard the 1950s bus at Horse Guards Parade for the pageant. PA
  • People take part in a parade during the pageant. Getty
    People take part in a parade during the pageant. Getty
  • Prince Louis sat on the knee of his grandfather the Prince of Wales during the pageant. PA
    Prince Louis sat on the knee of his grandfather the Prince of Wales during the pageant. PA
  • Naomi Campbell and Kanya King on a bus as part of the pageant. Getty
    Naomi Campbell and Kanya King on a bus as part of the pageant. Getty
  • Princess Charlotte, Prince George and their father Prince William enjoy the pageant. PA
    Princess Charlotte, Prince George and their father Prince William enjoy the pageant. PA
  • Members of the public watch the pageant in Westminster, London. PA
    Members of the public watch the pageant in Westminster, London. PA
  • Revellers celebrate near Windsor Castle, Britain. EPA
    Revellers celebrate near Windsor Castle, Britain. EPA
  • Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and her son Prince George. AFP
    Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and her son Prince George. AFP
  • Model Kate Moss and actress Patsy Kensit during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant outside Buckingham Palace. AP
    Model Kate Moss and actress Patsy Kensit during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant outside Buckingham Palace. AP
  • People parade during the pageant. AP
    People parade during the pageant. AP
  • Girls climb a street sign for a better view of the parade in London. PA
    Girls climb a street sign for a better view of the parade in London. PA
  • A cut out of Queen Elizabeth II in a window near Windsor Castle. EPA
    A cut out of Queen Elizabeth II in a window near Windsor Castle. EPA
  • Performers from Edinburgh Festival Carnival entertain the crowds in Princess Street Gardens in Edinburgh, Scotland, during a platinum jubilee event. PA
    Performers from Edinburgh Festival Carnival entertain the crowds in Princess Street Gardens in Edinburgh, Scotland, during a platinum jubilee event. PA
  • Children enjoy a street party in Edinburgh. PA
    Children enjoy a street party in Edinburgh. PA
  • Actress Joan Collins at the London pageant. EPA
    Actress Joan Collins at the London pageant. EPA
  • People take part in The Big Lunch on the Long Walk, Windsor Castle. EPA
    People take part in The Big Lunch on the Long Walk, Windsor Castle. EPA
  • A woman participates in the Windsor Castle event. EPA
    A woman participates in the Windsor Castle event. EPA
  • Vintage cars in front of Buckingham Palace during the London pageant. PA
    Vintage cars in front of Buckingham Palace during the London pageant. PA
  • Singer Katherine Jenkins at the pageant. AFP
    Singer Katherine Jenkins at the pageant. AFP
  • A dog wearing a crown at the Big Jubilee Lunch in Windsor. Getty
    A dog wearing a crown at the Big Jubilee Lunch in Windsor. Getty
  • People parade during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant outside Buckingham Palace in London. AP Photo
    People parade during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant outside Buckingham Palace in London. AP Photo
  • Prince Edward, and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, pose for a photo with attendees of the Big Jubilee Lunch in Windsor. AFP
    Prince Edward, and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, pose for a photo with attendees of the Big Jubilee Lunch in Windsor. AFP
  • A hologram of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is projected on the Gold State Coach during the pageant in London. AFP
    A hologram of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is projected on the Gold State Coach during the pageant in London. AFP

Beacons

A chain of more than 3,500 beacons stretching across the UK and around the Commonwealth were set ablaze late on the first evening, marking the jubilee in the time-honoured way.

Beacons lit around the world to mark Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee - in pictures

  • Britain's Queen Elizabeth II prepares to touch the Commonwealth Nations Globe to start the lighting of the principal beacon outside of Buckingham Palace in London, from the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London, as part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations on June 2, 2022 in Windsor, England. Getty
    Britain's Queen Elizabeth II prepares to touch the Commonwealth Nations Globe to start the lighting of the principal beacon outside of Buckingham Palace in London, from the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London, as part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations on June 2, 2022 in Windsor, England. Getty
  • The Commonwealth of Nations' Globe which was touched by Queen Elizabeth II to symbolically lead the lighting of the principal jubilee beacon at Windsor Castle, Windsor, England, Thursday June 2, 2022, on day one of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. AP
    The Commonwealth of Nations' Globe which was touched by Queen Elizabeth II to symbolically lead the lighting of the principal jubilee beacon at Windsor Castle, Windsor, England, Thursday June 2, 2022, on day one of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. AP
  • Britain's Queen Elizabeth leads the lighting of the principal jubilee beacon, as part of platinum jubilee celebrations, at Windsor Castle, Britain June 2, 2022. Reuters
    Britain's Queen Elizabeth leads the lighting of the principal jubilee beacon, as part of platinum jubilee celebrations, at Windsor Castle, Britain June 2, 2022. Reuters
  • Fireworks over Windsor Castle after Queen Elizabeth II symbolically leads the lighting of the principal jubilee beacon, as part of a chain of more than 3,500 flaming tributes to her 70-year-reign, on day one of the platinum jubilee celebrations. Reuters
    Fireworks over Windsor Castle after Queen Elizabeth II symbolically leads the lighting of the principal jubilee beacon, as part of a chain of more than 3,500 flaming tributes to her 70-year-reign, on day one of the platinum jubilee celebrations. Reuters
  • Fireworks explode above Windsor Castle during the lighting of the principal platinum jubilee beacon ceremony during the Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations in Windsor, Britain, June 2, 2022. Reuters
    Fireworks explode above Windsor Castle during the lighting of the principal platinum jubilee beacon ceremony during the Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations in Windsor, Britain, June 2, 2022. Reuters
  • Fireworks explode above Windsor Castle during the lighting of the principal platinum jubilee beacon ceremony during the Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations in Windsor, Britain, June 2, 2022. Reuters
    Fireworks explode above Windsor Castle during the lighting of the principal platinum jubilee beacon ceremony during the Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations in Windsor, Britain, June 2, 2022. Reuters
  • Fireworks explode above Windsor Castle during the lighting of the principal platinum jubilee beacon ceremony during the Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations in Windsor, Britain, June 2, 2022. Reuters
    Fireworks explode above Windsor Castle during the lighting of the principal platinum jubilee beacon ceremony during the Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations in Windsor, Britain, June 2, 2022. Reuters
  • Fireworks explode above Windsor Castle during the lighting of the principal platinum jubilee beacon ceremony during the Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations in Windsor, Britain, June 2, 2022. Reuters
    Fireworks explode above Windsor Castle during the lighting of the principal platinum jubilee beacon ceremony during the Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations in Windsor, Britain, June 2, 2022. Reuters
  • General view of the 'Tree Of Trees' created by Designer Thomas Heatherwick at the principal beacon at Buckingham Palace, London, on day one of the platinum jubilee celebrations. PA
    General view of the 'Tree Of Trees' created by Designer Thomas Heatherwick at the principal beacon at Buckingham Palace, London, on day one of the platinum jubilee celebrations. PA
  • Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (L), and Nicholas Bacon, Chair of the Queen's Green Canopy, attend a special ceremony for the lighting of the principal beacon at Buckingham Palace in London on June 2, 2022, as part of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. AFP
    Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (L), and Nicholas Bacon, Chair of the Queen's Green Canopy, attend a special ceremony for the lighting of the principal beacon at Buckingham Palace in London on June 2, 2022, as part of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. AFP
  • US singer Gregory Porter performs at a special ceremony for the lighting of the principal beacon at Buckingham Palace in London on June 2, 2022, as part of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. AFP
    US singer Gregory Porter performs at a special ceremony for the lighting of the principal beacon at Buckingham Palace in London on June 2, 2022, as part of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. AFP
  • Britain's Prince William meets with singer Gregory Porter during the lighting of the principal beacon, as part of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations, at Buckingham Palace, in London, Britain June 2, 2022. Reuters
    Britain's Prince William meets with singer Gregory Porter during the lighting of the principal beacon, as part of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations, at Buckingham Palace, in London, Britain June 2, 2022. Reuters
  • Projections are seen displayed on the front of the Buckingham Palace during the lighting of the principal jubilee beacon, as part of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations, in London, Britain June 2, 2022. Reuters
    Projections are seen displayed on the front of the Buckingham Palace during the lighting of the principal jubilee beacon, as part of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations, in London, Britain June 2, 2022. Reuters
  • Fireworks burst over Buckingham Palace in London Monday 3 June 2002, after Britain's Queen Elizabeth II lit a beacon to commemorate her platinum jubilee. AFP
    Fireworks burst over Buckingham Palace in London Monday 3 June 2002, after Britain's Queen Elizabeth II lit a beacon to commemorate her platinum jubilee. AFP
  • A platinum jubilee beacon is lit at Coutts bank in central London, Thursday June 2, 2022, on day one of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum Jubilee celebrations. PA
    A platinum jubilee beacon is lit at Coutts bank in central London, Thursday June 2, 2022, on day one of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum Jubilee celebrations. PA
  • People view a virtual beacon onscreen during Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations at Picadilly Circus in London, Britain June 2, 2022. Reuters
    People view a virtual beacon onscreen during Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations at Picadilly Circus in London, Britain June 2, 2022. Reuters
  • A general view of the beacon before it's lit, during celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee beacon lighting, in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland June 2, 2022. Reuters
    A general view of the beacon before it's lit, during celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee beacon lighting, in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland June 2, 2022. Reuters
  • A platinum jubilee beacon is lit after a service of thanksgiving, at St. Macartin's Cathedral Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, on day one of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. Reuters
    A platinum jubilee beacon is lit after a service of thanksgiving, at St. Macartin's Cathedral Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, on day one of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. Reuters
  • Fireworks explode overhead during the Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee beacon lighting ceremony at Cawfield Quarry on Hadrian’s Wall on June 02, 2022 in Haltwhistle, England. Getty
    Fireworks explode overhead during the Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee beacon lighting ceremony at Cawfield Quarry on Hadrian’s Wall on June 02, 2022 in Haltwhistle, England. Getty
  • Bugler Captain Jonathan Miller from Durham Army Cadet Force salutes during Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee beacon lighting ceremony at Cawfield Quarry on Hadrian’s Wall on June 02, 2022 in Haltwhistle, England. Getty
    Bugler Captain Jonathan Miller from Durham Army Cadet Force salutes during Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee beacon lighting ceremony at Cawfield Quarry on Hadrian’s Wall on June 02, 2022 in Haltwhistle, England. Getty
  • A Roman archer waits to fire flaming arrows into a floating beacon on the lake during Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee beacon lighting ceremony at Cawfield Quarry on Hadrian’s Wall on June 02, 2022 in Haltwhistle, England. Getty
    A Roman archer waits to fire flaming arrows into a floating beacon on the lake during Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee beacon lighting ceremony at Cawfield Quarry on Hadrian’s Wall on June 02, 2022 in Haltwhistle, England. Getty
  • A platinum jubilee beacon is lit in Cardiff Bay, on day one of Queen Elizabth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. PA
    A platinum jubilee beacon is lit in Cardiff Bay, on day one of Queen Elizabth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. PA
  • A platinum jubilee beacon is lit by Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and Commander of Edinburgh Garrison Lieutenant Colonel Lorne Campbell at Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, Thursday June 2, 2022, on day one of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. PA
    A platinum jubilee beacon is lit by Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and Commander of Edinburgh Garrison Lieutenant Colonel Lorne Campbell at Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, Thursday June 2, 2022, on day one of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. PA
  • A platinum jubilee beacon on Blyth beach, north east England, Thursday June 2, 2022, on day one of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. PA
    A platinum jubilee beacon on Blyth beach, north east England, Thursday June 2, 2022, on day one of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. PA
  • Platinum jubilee beacons are lit outside the Royal Liver Building, Liverpool, England, Thursday June 2, 2022, on day one of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. PA
    Platinum jubilee beacons are lit outside the Royal Liver Building, Liverpool, England, Thursday June 2, 2022, on day one of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. PA
  • Platinum jubilee beacons are lit outside the Royal Liver Building, Liverpool, on day one of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. PA
    Platinum jubilee beacons are lit outside the Royal Liver Building, Liverpool, on day one of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. PA
  • Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lights the beacon for Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations in Canberra, Australia, Thursday, June 2, 2022. AP
    Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lights the beacon for Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations in Canberra, Australia, Thursday, June 2, 2022. AP

The principal beacon was a 21-metre living Tree of Trees sculpture towering above Buckingham Palace, symbolically lit by the queen from Windsor while the Duke of Cambridge watched in London.

The return of Harry and Meghan

It had been a while but the return of the Sussexes for the first time at an official public royal occasion since Megxit drew much media attention.

All eyes were on Prince Harry and Meghan at the service of thanksgiving in St Paul Cathedral on Friday.

But the reunion of Prince Harry and the Duke of Cambridge proved elusive, with the Sussexes sitting in the second row, far across the aisle from his father, brother and sister-in-law Kate.

Penguin feeding and leading the band

Members of the royal family toured the UK, with Anne, the Princess Royal, feeding penguins in Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland and Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, pulling a pint of Guinness during a trip to Bangor in Northern Ireland.

Prince George and Princess Charlotte made a surprise appearance at Cardiff Castle on their first official visit to Wales

The excited princess conducted the orchestra in a rendition of We Don’t Talk About Bruno from the Disney film Encanto, while Prince George played with the sound and lighting decks, as they met performers preparing for a jubilee concert at the castle.

The Queen and Paddington bear

The monarch delighted the nation when she starred alongside Paddington in a surprise comedy sketch and showed the bear from deepest, darkest Peru how she stored marmalade sandwiches in her famous black Launer handbag.

Offering a fresh insight into the Queen’s sense of humour and her wry wit, the secretly filmed skit played at the start of the BBC’s Platinum Party at the Palace on Saturday night, showed the pair enjoying a chaotic afternoon tea.

Royal sing-song

The Cambridges enjoyed the party atmosphere as the family sang along with the tunes at the jubilee concert.

Prince George belted out Sweet Caroline, while the Duke of Cambridge knew the words to Jason Donovan’s rendition of Any Dream Will Do.

Charles’s moving tribute

“You laugh and cry with us and, most importantly, you have been there for us,” Prince Charles told Queen Elizabeth in a moving thank-you toast at the televised concert.

Calling the monarch "Mummy", he took to the stage to praise the queen for her “lifetime of selfless service”.

He rallied the crowd into cheering the absent monarch who was 30 kilometres away at Windsor, saying if they were “loud enough she might, might just hear us”.

Stars of the show

Acts including Queen + Adam Lambert, Alicia Keys and Eurovision’s Sam Ryder were loudly cheered at the star-studded show.

Soul legend Diana Ross closed the open-air set, with her first live performance in the UK in 15 years.

Corgi drones

Drones flying over the Palace created a giant corgi in the sky and spelled out the message, “Thank you Ma’am” in lights, thrilling concert goers.

Big jubilee lunches

As many as 18 million people are believed to have gathered with their friends, families and neighbours for traditional jubilee street parties on Sunday for the final day of the celebrations

The Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla mingled with guests at the flagship big jubilee lunch at The Oval cricket ground.

Prince Charles said he hoped “bickering” did not return after a feeling of “togetherness” across the nation over the weekend.

The Pageant

A cast of 6,000 performers took to the streets of central London, with the procession spared the rain.

Those attending enjoyed a parade of hundreds of “national treasures” including Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, and Sir Cliff Richard, with Ed Sheeran taking the stage at the end.

The Queen’s message

At the end of the weekend, the queen pledged to continue to serve as monarch “to the best of my ability supported by my family”.

It was an acknowledgment of her fragility but a commitment to continue as monarch.

She said in her written message that she was “humbled and deeply touched” by the public’s reaction to her 70 years, adding: “While I may not have attended every event in person, my heart has been with you all.”

Royal fashion at platinum jubilee celebrations - in pictures

  • The Duchess of Cambridge wears a white dress coat, thought to be Alexander McQueen, with a black and white Philip Treacy hat and a pair of sapphire earrings for Trooping the Colour. PA
    The Duchess of Cambridge wears a white dress coat, thought to be Alexander McQueen, with a black and white Philip Treacy hat and a pair of sapphire earrings for Trooping the Colour. PA
  • Queen Elizabeth II wore a summery shade of light blue to watch the Trooping the Colour parade. PA
    Queen Elizabeth II wore a summery shade of light blue to watch the Trooping the Colour parade. PA
  • Left; Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, who wore a blue striped dress coat and wide-brimmed blue hat. Right; Kate, Duchess of Cambridge. Reuters
    Left; Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, who wore a blue striped dress coat and wide-brimmed blue hat. Right; Kate, Duchess of Cambridge. Reuters
  • Sophie, Countess of Wessex, wears a pink gingham dress coat with a pink hat. Getty Images
    Sophie, Countess of Wessex, wears a pink gingham dress coat with a pink hat. Getty Images
  • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's children Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte. Getty Images
    The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's children Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte. Getty Images
  • Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn. AFP
    Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn. AFP
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The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.

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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

Banned items
Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
  • Drones
  • Animals
  • Fireworks/ flares
  • Radios or power banks
  • Laser pointers
  • Glass
  • Selfie sticks/ umbrellas
  • Sharp objects
  • Political flags or banners
  • Bikes, skateboards or scooters

Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sept 16-20, Insportz, Dubai

Evacuations to France hit by controversy
  • Over 500 Gazans have been evacuated to France since November 2023
  • Evacuations were paused after a student already in France posted anti-Semitic content and was subsequently expelled to Qatar
  • The Foreign Ministry launched a review to determine how authorities failed to detect the posts before her entry
  • Artists and researchers fall under a programme called Pause that began in 2017
  • It has benefited more than 700 people from 44 countries, including Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Sudan
  • Since the start of the Gaza war, it has also included 45 Gazan beneficiaries
  • Unlike students, they are allowed to bring their families to France
Have you been targeted?

Tuan Phan of SimplyFI.org lists five signs you have been mis-sold to:

1. Your pension fund has been placed inside an offshore insurance wrapper with a hefty upfront commission.

2. The money has been transferred into a structured note. These products have high upfront, recurring commission and should never be in a pension account.

3. You have also been sold investment funds with an upfront initial charge of around 5 per cent. ETFs, for example, have no upfront charges.

4. The adviser charges a 1 per cent charge for managing your assets. They are being paid for doing nothing. They have already claimed massive amounts in hidden upfront commission.

5. Total annual management cost for your pension account is 2 per cent or more, including platform, underlying fund and advice charges.

COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Starring: Jamie Foxx, Angela Bassett, Tina Fey

Directed by: Pete Doctor

Rating: 4 stars

Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere

Director: Scott Cooper

Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Odessa Young, Jeremy Strong

Rating: 4/5

Updated: June 05, 2022, 11:30 PM