Diamond Jubilee

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Sun Jun 03, 2012 6:21 am

In the UK this weekend we are having a celebration of the Queens sixty years reign.

This includes a long weekend with two days official holiday, Monday and Tuesday.

I am surprised there has been no mention of this on here.

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Sun Jun 03, 2012 6:57 am

My congratulations to the Queen.

Today is my Dad's 85th Birthday. He has been the strong gentle and principled "king" in my family for many years.

Clodhopper · Post by **Clodhopper** » Sun Jun 03, 2012 8:00 am

At least three street parties near here.

Crowds down on the Thames for the Pageant. The basic foundations of the State look solid. Thanks, Queenie, for 60 years of good work.

(and happy birthday to your dad, aftr)

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Sun Jun 03, 2012 8:18 am

Bruv;1395370 wrote: In the UK this weekend we are having a celebration of the Queens sixty years reign.

This includes a long weekend with two days official holiday, Monday and Tuesday.

I am surprised there has been no mention of this on here.

I came close to putting a thread on but thought twice after such threads as ' The Queen is Ridiculous' I just didn't want another farce.

Anyway... we're watching The Queen and the Wonderful Prince Phillip travel up the Thames as we speak. It brings tears to my eyes simply because you can really feel the love of the people cheering her.

I don't believe we have ever had a Queen like her and I don't believe we will see her like again.

I have been at a few big races over the years when the Queen was In attendance. The last being the 2009 Gold Cup where Kauto Star beat her horse Barbers Shop.

She exudes a natural warmth that Is rare In those of her stature and she really does touch people's hearts.

As an example... approx 12 years ago, my brother was fortunate to secure a pitch In the Royal enclosure at Royal Ascot. The Queen doesn't put her bets on, she has a member of her entourage to do that. He took the bet and her horse won..... He told us that as her horse crossed the line, a massive beam of real joy erupted on her face and for one split nano second, she looked down at him and their eyes met In a ' Ha, see you Mr Bookie'.... It lasted a nano second but It's stayed with him for life. That's why she's so special. She touches me right there In the ticker.

theia · Post by **theia** » Sun Jun 03, 2012 8:20 am

Just got home from work...television on...glad I haven't missed it all :-6

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Sun Jun 03, 2012 8:54 am

along-for-the-ride;1395371 wrote: My congratulations to the Queen.

Today is my Dad's 85th Birthday. He has been the strong gentle and principled "king" in my family for many years.

Birthday Wishes to your Dad Diane.... xxxxx

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Sun Jun 03, 2012 9:23 am

Some wonderful pics appearing now although It's still happening.

An estimated one million people have lined the route t cheer our Queen.

Some beautiful pics here for those Americans who don't have a Queen. :wah::sneaky:

Queen's Diamond Jubilee: Tens of thousands of jubilant revellers throng the banks of the Thames as the Queen arrives for her Jubilee river pageant | Mail Online

You gotta hand It to the Brits... we know how to do pomp and ceremony.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Sun Jun 03, 2012 9:54 am

along-for-the-ride;1395371 wrote:

Today is my Dad's 85th Birthday. He has been the strong gentle and principled "king" in my family for many years.
Offer him my congratulations.

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Sun Jun 03, 2012 10:03 am

Thank you for the birthday greetings for my Dad.

I admit that even as an American, I've had a fascination with the life story thus far of the Queen. That..and my admiration.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Sun Jun 03, 2012 10:08 am

I have never been an ardent Royalist, in fact if I had my way they would have been long gone when I was a teenager.

As I have gotten older I do see there is a place for them, and watching Charlie hosting a program on BBC1 last last (watched because the wife wanted it on) I found my chest swelling with a strange pride over the old girl.

At the same time wondering how such an anachronistic display of colonial wealth and pomp is alive and well in this day and age.

We are a strange lot us Brits, we love to knock Royalty, but give us the chance stand for hours in the rain just to catch a glimpse.

Clodhopper · Post by **Clodhopper** » Sun Jun 03, 2012 11:02 am

I don't understand quite why it works myself. And it's incredibly easy to mock. But I think something of why it works may be gained through the comment of the small child reported today, after waiting ages in the rain, "I saw the Queen!"

Even a small child knows that's special.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Sun Jun 03, 2012 11:22 am

I think what also makes us so proud Is the heritage and history associated with all things Royal.

Take today for example. To outsiders It may just seem pomp but everything has a history. Tower Bridge etc etc....

We may mock them as a Nation at times but when we see our history and our Monarch on display as we did today, we are stirred as a Nation. It's the history associated with Royalty.

I remember the 2009 Gold Cup so well. Her car arrived under the balcony where my brother had his pitch. He assumed I'd snuck off for a peep at the Queen but In fact I'd snuck off for a look at the arrival of Kauto Star and Denman which I was far more excited about at the time.... horse Royalty was arriving !!! I wasn't over-awed at her presence that day and paid little attention to It... The Queen arriving at big races Is parr for the course.... but..... today.... add all that pomp and ceremony with the history and our heritage.... that's what made today awesome.

valerie · Post by **valerie** » Sun Jun 03, 2012 11:57 am

I've been watching quite a lot of coverage, including Katie Couric's special last week.

I greatly admire the Queen, most of all for her SUPERIOR horsemanship. She was still

riding just a few months ago, at age 85!

My favorite of her, SIDESADDLE no less, controlling her mount:

1981 - Trooping the Colour - Queen Shot At - YouTube

A quite remarkable display!

valerie · Post by **valerie** » Tue Jun 05, 2012 9:32 am

A different sort of Jubilee celebrant:

London 2012 Olympics: Natterjack horse painted in Union Jack | Mail Online