By Colette Fahy


Thank you You Majesty: David and Victoria Beckham were among a host of celebrities who paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth for her Diamond Jubilee

David and Victoria Beckham made a special video to congratulate Queen Elizabeth on her Diamond Jubilee.

The soccer star and his fashion designer wife – who are close friends with the royals and attended Prince William’s wedding last year – appeared in a tribute piece on the BBC to pass on their congratulations on her 60-year-reign.

David, looking dapper in a dark suit and white shirt, spoke on behalf of the couple, who were seated side by side on matching chairs.

Victoria watches on as her husband David thanks the monarch for everything on behalf of their family and the entire country

David said: ‘I’d just like to say from us, me, Victoria, our family and the entire country, congratulations Your Majesty.’

With a slight smile on her face, Victoria – who wore an orange halterneck dress with her hair in a fashionable side plait – let her husband do the talking.

The Beckham’s relationship with the royal family goes back years.

Victoria bows her head as David finishes up the couple's video message to Queen Elizabeth

When Victoria was a member of chart topping group The Spice Girls in 1997, they famously met the monarch following their appearance in the Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium

David and William - who is president of the English Football Association - became close after leading England's failed bid to host the 2018 soccer World Cup, resulting in an invitation to attend the royal wedding at Westminster Abbey last year.

David, 37, received an Order of the British Empire (OBE) from Queen Elizabeth in 2003 and previously revealed she had shocked him by knowing details of his personal life when they met at a dinner for President Barack Obama's visit to London last year.


Spare tickets for the tour: Diversity joked they had some extra tickets for their upcoming performances if Queen Elizabeth wanted to come see them

Diversity's Ashley Banjo thanked the queen for providing inspiration for them and said performing for her had changed their lives

Speaking on Craig Ferguson's late-night talk show in the US, before the birth of daughter Harper last August, David - who has children Brooklyn, Romeo, and Cruz with Victoria - said: ‘Funnily enough she knew I was having a baby in six weeks. It shocked me that she knew. I love the Queen.’

However, they weren’t the only people who paid tribute to the royal in special video messages.

Britain’s Got Talent host David Walliams passed on his congratulations but jokingly added he wanted an invitation to tea at the palace.

Thank you for the horses: Jockey Frankie Detorri who rode horses for the Queen said he hopes the Diamond Jubilee is the beginning of more good things to come

He said: ‘Your Majesty, I just want to say thank you and please invite me to Buckingham Palace. It doesn’t have to be after I’ve swam the Thames again or anything like that, just have me round for tea.’

Jockey Frankie Detorri who has ridden some of the monarch’s horses said, ‘Thank you for the memories, the horses I rode for you and I hope this Diamond Jubilee is only the beginning of many years to come.’

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair said he was proud of what the queen and her family have achieved

Britain’s Got Talent winners Diversity, who performed for Queen Elizabeth at the Royal Variety Performance added: ‘Thank you Your Majesty for giving us the inspiration to compete and perform for you at the Royal Variety Performance.

‘We’ve got some spare tickets left for our tour if you want to come, so just let us know.’

EastEnders veteran Barbara Windsor also paid tribute, saying ‘Thank you ma'am for being you and looking after is all these years.’


Posh meets royalty: Victoria Beckham memorably met the queen with the Spice Girls in 1997


David received his OBE from Buckingham Palace in 2003 accompanied by Victoria



source:dailymail

By Emma Reynolds


The Queen greets her subjects from the balcony of the Palace as she stands alongside Camilla, Charles, Prince William, Kate and Prince Harry

The Queen emerged on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to a deafening roar from tens of thousands of her loyal subjects who gathered below in euphoric mood for the final and most historic moment of the Diamond Jubilee today.

Flanked by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, the scene truly captured the modern face of the royals, led stoically by the Queen. The only senior member of the Firm missing was Prince Philip, who is in hospital.

The enthusiasm of the crowds, again undaunted by the rain, can be in no small part attributed to the young royals who have done so much to help a new generation fall in love with Britain’s monarchy.


Awesome sight: The Red Arrows soar over Buckingham palace and the crowds gathered along the Mall


Red, white and blue: The Red Arrows have the crowd and the Royals alike in their thrall as they perform a dazzling fly-past over the Palace


Spectacular show: The planes mark the climax of the Diamond Jubilee weekend as they soar over the heads of the Royals stood on the balcony below


Gazing upwards: The family stare and gasp in delight as the Red Arrows zoom overhead


Flying high: The nation salutes their Diamond Queen as fly-past tops off a magical weekend


History in the making: This Lancaster bomber and five Spitfires look like a scene from the past but flew over the Palace today to mark the Queen's 60-year reign

What a view! This is what the royals saw today when they looked out from Buckingham Palace balcony

Tens of thousands of Jubilee well-wishers surged along The Mall led by police on horseback in an extraordinary scene as the four-day celebrations reached their crescendo this afternoon.

Waving flags, cheering and singing with their spirits undampened by the drizzle, huge crowds made their way to Buckingham Palace to catch a glimpse of the historic moment the Queen made her balcony appearance.

If anybody was in any doubt that Britain’s love for the monarchy had waned, this national outpouring of pride would soon dispel that belief.


The Queen and her family - including William and Kate - were serenaded by a crowd of tens of thousands singing God Save the Queen


The masses converge on Buckingham Palace in a desperate bid to set their eyes on the Royal family


United in wonder: Patriotic visitors to the Mall cheer and whoop as the royals emerge


Holding back the wave: Tens of thousands pour into The Mall to watch the climax of a glorious weekend

Prince William stands beside his grandmother as Harry shares a joke with his sister-in-law

To the strains of ‘Land of Hope and Glory’, led by a military brass band, the patriotic crowd gathered in anticipation before she and the rest of the Royal Family emerged for the military fly past and feu de joie gun salute.

In a nod to the typical British weather, the masses gave a rendition of Singing In The Rain and shouts of 'We want the Queen' rang out.

And when she appeared, the Queen broke into a smile - visibly pleased - and waved as the thousands of people roared with applause, some breaking into impromptu renditions of the National Anthem.

It is only the second time that a feu de joie has been fired in Her Majesty's reign. The first was following the Queen's Birthday Parade in 2006 in celebration of her 80th birthday.


Not bad for a rainy Tuesday! Hundreds of thousands pack the Mall to see the royals and await the spectacle of a magnificent air show

Long may she rain: Crowds shrug off the drizzle armed with a flotilla of umbrellas as they crane for a look at the monarch

They then gave three cheers, with the words 'hip hip hooray' echoing down the Mall.

Next came the flypast and gun salute, but missing from the Queen's side was the Duke of Edinburgh, who she famously described as her 'strength and stay' on her golden wedding anniversary in 1997.

His absence is likely to give the day a bittersweet taste for the monarch, who carried out a series of Diamond Jubilee engagements without her consort.

As a rousing rendition of ‘God Save The Queen’ rang out the fly-past began, despite worries it may be halted by rain.

A Dakota flanked by two King Airs, a Lancaster, four Spitfires and a Hurricane from the RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight hurtled through the skies, met with a broad smile of approval by the monarch.

Memorable day: People pour along The Mall and in through the back entrance to get a look at the family on the balcony

Next, the Red Arrows made a spectacular appearance tearing through the skies leaving trails of red, white and blue smoke behind.

The Diamond-nine formation, in tribute to the 60-year-reign, was greeted with rapturous applause by the throng of well-wishers outside the palace.

Finally the shots of the Feu de Joie, a celebratory cascade of rifle fire from Buckingham Palace Guard of Honour, the 1st Battalion Irish Guard, rang out followed by a rousing three cheers from the troops.

The crowd showed their approval with a round of three cheers, marking a spectacular end to a truly historic Diamond Jubilee weekend.

Earlier, the Queen's Guard had awaited her arrival at the palace forecourt in the 1902 State Landau carriage, which swept in to rapturous applause and the band of the Irish Guards playing the national anthem.


Incredible scenes: Hordes of loyal subjects gathered to honour the Queen on the final day of the bank holiday weekend


Pushing towards the Palace: The immense crowds filled The Mall as they raced to get a glimpse of Her Majesty on the historic occasion

Encircled: A thrilled mass of tourists and Londoners screamed with excitement as they united in joy at seeing the royals

The first and second divisions of the Sovereign's Escort had led the way ahead of the Queen's carriage, and as each section of the crowd saw the monarch, screams and shouts went up.

The Queen sat next to Camilla and opposite was Charles, with all three royals waving and smiling at the spectators.

In a separate carriage, William and Kate also acknowledged the crowds and appeared to be enjoying the moment, with Harry sitting in front of them, chatting happily.

The procession had travelled down Whitehall past Downing Street and the Cenotaph and into Trafalgar Square, packed with well-wishers. When they reached The Mall, thousands cheered them as the royals waved.

Overhead were huge Union flags and the crowds stretched back into St James's Park waving their smaller Union flags and shouting.

The procession finally reached the Palace forecourt and disappeared out of view through an arch into the quadrangle.


Diamond Queen: Onlookers expressed an outpouring of love for the monarch with banners and flags



source:dailymail

-Duchess and each of senior royals placed at separate tables
-Kate wore slim-fitting Alexander McQueen dress designed by Sarah Burton
-Kate topped off demure outfit with hat by royal favourite milliner Jane Taylor
-Duchess to head table at Westminster reception lunch this afternoon

By Deborah Arthurs


Senior royals: The Duke and Duchess attended a Jubilee reception at the Guildhall following the morning service before hosting their own tables at a City of London Livery Companies lunch

The Duchess of Cambridge cemented her status as a senior royal today as she led one of the tables at the Westminster Hall lunch today held in honour of the Queen.

After a reception at Guildhall, Kate was one of a number of royals including Charles and Camilla who attended the City of London Livery companies lunch, held for some 700 guests representing abundant trades and professions, ranging from grocers and gunmakers to fruiterers and fishmongers.

Kate was placed at the Master Glovers and Pattenmakers table, a body founded in the 17th century as a trade association for the makers of pattens - under-shoes of wood and metal which were worn strapped beneath the shoes to raise the wearer out of the mud on the streets.

Prince William was at the Engineers and Arbitrators table, while Harry took his place at the Fruiterers and Gardeners table.

Guests at the lunch dined on marinated Uist Island salmon with Lyme Bay crab, followed by saddle of Welsh Cambrian Mountain lamb with braised shoulder of lamb, grilled Isle of Wight asparagus, Jersey Royal potatoes and an aptly named Jubilee sauce.

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Golden girl: Kate was joined by the Master Glovers and Pattenmakers at a special lunch to mark the final day of Jubilee celebrations


Playing host: William and Catherine were given key roles at today's lunch


Making an entrance: Kate follows fellow guests to attend a City of London Livery companies lunch at Westminster Hall


Flashback: Kate and Wills would have been reminded of their wedding day last April, the last time the two travelled in open top carriage together

Memories: Newlywed Kate and William made the same trip, from Westminster to Buckingham Palace last April

Earlier in the day, Kate looked stunning as she attended the Queen's thanksgiving service at St Paul's cathedral today in a nude lace dress by Alexander McQueen.

Kate wore the demure dress with a matching hat by Jane Taylor, a milliner fast becoming a firm favourite with the royals, and nude LK Bennett heels.

It was the third time she has worn an Alexander McQueen piece this weekend, having chosen something from the label, the same designer behind her lace wedding dress, at every Jubilee weekend celebration so far, from her red pageant outfit to the coat she wore over her Whistles dress for last night's concert.

The hat's designer, Jane Taylor, who also saw the Countess of Wessex wear one of her hats today said she was 'delighted'.

'Both the Duchess of Cambridge and the Countess of Wessex look stunning today.
'They both have a unique yet timeless sense of style and wear hats so well.

'It's the dream to have two members of they royal family wearing my pieces to such an important event.'

Kate and William were welcomed at the cathedral today by hundreds of well-wishers who had gathered outside the cathedral ahead of today's service in which the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, will give the sermon to mark the Queen's 60 years on the throne.

The Duke of Cambridge wore a morning suit to today's service to mark the Diamond Jubilee.

As one of the senior royals, Kate walked alongside William down the long aisle of St Paul's cathedral just ahead of the Queen as the monarch arrived for today's service.

Just behind Kate and William walked the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, with the Queen making her way down at the back of the royal procession.


Chic: The Duchess wore pearls at her ears, subtle make up and pretty Alexander McQueen lace dress


Royal blush: Kate shone in the slim-fitting dress, her slender waist accentuated by the ribbon belt


Stunning: The Duchess of Cambridge accessorised her Alexander McQueen dress with a net-trimmed hat by milliner Jane Taylor


Composed: Kate looked the epitome of ladylike elegance at the service this morning


Close: Kate leans in to chat to Harry, who looked to be suffering slightly from the effects of a later night during the service


Milliner Jane Taylor, said she was 'delighted' that Kate chose to wear one of her designs


A family affair: Kate talks with her brother-in-law Prince Harry as guests leave St Paul's Cathedral


Demure: Kate looked the epitome of ladylike chic at the service, earning her praise from fashion critics including Harold Tillman, chairman of the British Fashion Council


Ladylike: Kate was flanked by Princes Harry and William in smart morning suits for the service at St Paul's today


Greeting: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are welcomed to St Paul's by the Lord Mayor of London


A real McQueen: Kate wore a dress designed by Alexander McQueen's Sarah Burton for the St Paul's service today


Beautiful in blush: The Duchess of Cambridge arrives with her husband the Duke


In mint condition: The Queen waves as she arrives in a limousine with one her ladies in waiting, Diana Marion, The Lady Farnham who replaces Prince Philip


The royal procession: Prince Harry, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Charles, Camilla, and the Queen make their way the length of the cathedral ahead of the service of Thanksgiving



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source:dailymail

-Peak audience of 16.9million - making concert the most-watched programme so far this year


By Andrea Magrath


He hijacked the Olympic torch relay last month, and last night The Voice judge will.i.am managed to muscle his way onto the bill of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee concert.

But while his protégée Cheryl Cole's appearance was understandable, the pair were on the receiving end of some harsh criticism from the Twittersphere about their singing capabilities, and opinion was divided over who was the worst out of the pair.

Irritated TV viewers aired their feelings that following his performance early in proceedings, will.i.am popped up later to 'help' legendary Stevie Wonder.

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How did we do? The Twitter reaction to will.i.am and Cheryl Cole's performances at the The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concert was largely unpopular

Both artists were among the stars to perform during yesterday's concert, but compared to some of the greats in their company, they did not come off favourably.

The Black Eyed Peas star was one of the first performers onstage, performing his band's hit I Gotta Feeling with his The Voice co-star Jessie J.

And despite saying just a few weeks ago that he was planning on using autotune less in the future, the artist appeared to be relying on just that to belt out the track.

During an appearance on Alan Carr: Chatty Man, will said: 'I'm working on my singing abilities. I like staying in the studio.

'Get off the stage!' A number of viewers were irritated that will.i.am appeared onstage to help Stevie Wonder perform Superstition and Happy Birthday

'The computer allows me to make music, sing it myself, and not wait around for a singer to come along and sing the songs.

Hours later, will.i.am skipped onstage to join Stevie Wonder as he performed Happy Birthday.

Smiling and waving at the crowd, the artist was handed a microphone and proceeded to contribute to the performance.

But while the artist had been called onstage by his friend Wonder, unimpressed viewers took to Twitter to vent their annoyance.

Not a good feeling: The Black Eyed Peas frontman performed I Gotta Feeling with his The Voice co-star Jessie J

'Watching Stevie Wonder now - dreading will.i.am joining him (such stupidity),' one Twitter user commented shortly before his appearance onstage.

Another wrote: 'So at what point in man's aural evolution did we resort to needing will.I.Am to shout "yo" over Stevie Wonder?'
'Who decided will.I.am should be on every song? Get off the stage!' questioned another.

Just as many were left underwhelmed by Cheryl Cole's performance.

'Can't carry a tune': One Twitter user remarked that Cheryl may be better off sticking to the auto tune

The Call My Name singer duetted with event organiser Gary Barlow on Lady Antebellum's Need You Now.

The ballad is a departure from Cheryl's usual dance tracks that require less vocal range.

'After watching The Queen's Jubilee, I've come to the conclusion that Cheryl Cole couldn't carry a tune if it had a bloody handle,' one viewer tweeted.

'Wow is she an awful singer, talentless,' said another.

Duet: Cheryl performed a cover of Lady Antebellum's Need You Now with Gary Barlow

'So Cheryl Cole can't sing. I think even the autotune computer gave up on her.'

Other scathing tweets included: 'We all heard a strange noise. We all ran to the window to look out. Simultaneously. Turns out it was Cheryl Cole. Oh dear.'

'Cheryl Cole has the voice of an angel. It's a little known fact that angels actually sound like a drunken version of Bjork when they sing.'

'No offense to Cheryl Cole at all, but she has taken an absolutely amazing country song by Lady Antebellum and ruined it.'

'Glory hunter': Piers Morgan made fun of Cheryl's prime spot next to the Queen

'Is that Cheryl Cole singing or is it a dying cat?'

Piers Morgan took issue with Cole vying for the prime position onstage next to the Queen at the end of the concert, tweeting: 'Cheryl doing a John Terry there. #jubileeconcert #gloryhunter.'

The evening included performances be music legends including Sir Paul McCartney, Grace Jones and Sir Elton John.

Rubbing shoulders with royalty: will.i.am tweeted pictures of himself with guardsmen and later on with Prince William

The star-studded show aired live on BBC One last night and attracted a peak audience of 16.9 million with an average of 14.7 million - making it the most-watched programme so far this year.

The highest viewing figures came as the Queen took to the stage to light the national beacon, which sparked a stunning fireworks display.




source:dailymail