Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

Royal family news – live: Sussexes release photograph of daughter Lilibet after arriving in US

Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s daughter turns one during her first trip to the UK

Queen makes balcony appearance to mark end of platinum jubilee

Your support helps us to tell the story

My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.

Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.

Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond

Eric Garcia

Eric Garcia

Washington Bureau Chief

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have released a picture of their daughter Lilibet after celebrating her first birthday.

The photograph of Lilibet, who celebrated the occasion with family and close friends of the Sussexes at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor on Saturday, is understood to have been taken by family friend Misan Harriman.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s second child, born on 4 June 2021 at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in California, was named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II.

The couple have been “incredibly touched” by the birthday wishes that have flooded in for Lilibet.

More than 100,000 dollars (£79,800) in donations to the World Central Kitchen were made in her honour by people around the world, for which the Duke and Duchess have also expressed their gratitude.

It follows reports that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had returned to the US following a short trip to the UK for the jubilee celebrations.

The early departure means the Sussexes missed the finale of the festivities, which saw the Queen make a surprise appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the royal standard flag was raised above the residence during the pageant.

Union flags and anthem renditions from the Mall

The scene along the Mall - lined with Union Jack-clad patriots - is one of restless anticipation, reports Emily Atkinson.

Dominating today is a sense of great love for Britain and Britishness, a sentiment stirred up by apparently unwavering devotion to the Queen.

The crowd is made of people from up and down the UK and beyond, and renditions of the national anthem are can be heard in different pockets as you stroll its perimeter.

Allison and Yvonne, from Redditch, and Rita, from Bromsgrove, travelled down from the West Midlands last night before waking up at the crack of dawn to bag their spot on Pall Mall.

“I was at the 1977 Jubilee. I was five in school,” Allison told The Independent.

“We got a mug and a coin. It was fabulous and to be part of it again today is amazing.”

Rita also made the trip down to London for the Queen’s 60th Jubilee.

“I didn’t stand on The Mall last time, so I want to stand there today and fly my flag,” she said.

Causing a stir today is the attendance of Prince Harry and Meghan, despite the controversy of recent years.

But for Rita, it is important that Harry attends the celebrations.

“They’re family. It’s her grandson. I think they should be allowed.”

Also looming low over today’s festivities are several notable absences from the Royal troop.

The sidelining of the Duke of York, in particular, is creating division among Jubilee attendees.

“I’ve got mixed emotions about Andrew,” Rita said.

“He’s a royal member. He’s been in the armed forces and served his country. And it’s his mother. So why shouldn’t he be at least on the balcony, if nowhere else, or at St Paul’s tomorrow?”

Emily Atkinson2 June 2022 09:20

Could street party road closures inspire lasting change?

Could jubilee street party road closures give people a taste for quieter streets, less traffic and an improved sense of community?

West Midlands Cycling & Walking Commissioner Adam Tranter hopes so:

Tom Batchelor2 June 2022 09:25

Close eye kept on Queen’s health during busy Jubilee commitments

Royal aides will be keeping a close eye on the Queen. The monarch has faced ongoing “episodic mobility problems”, since the autumn, and now uses a walking stick.

Her royal physicians are also likely to be close at hand in case needed as the monarch, now just four years away from her 100th birthday, undertakes a busy run of appearances to mark her milestone reign.

Here is more:

Close eye kept on Queen’s health during busy Jubilee commitments

The head of state, 96, is facing ongoing episodic mobility issues

Tom Batchelor2 June 2022 09:40

Mall celebrations - in photos

Hundreds of people have gathered on the Mall to watch Trooping the Colour. Emily Atkinson has captured some of the action:

(Independent)
(Independent)
(Independent)
Tom Batchelor2 June 2022 09:48

Jubilee celebrations fall on 69th anniversary of the Queen’s coronation

The start of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations coincide with a significant anniversary for the monarch – her Coronation Day.

Sixty nine years ago, Elizabeth II was crowned in the historic surrounds of Westminster Abbey and celebrated with street parties across the country.

Read more here:

Jubilee celebrations fall on 69th anniversary of the Queen’s coronation

Elizabeth II was crowned in a deeply religious ceremony in Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953

Tom Batchelor2 June 2022 09:55

People turned away from Mall as barriers shut

It is not all smooth sailing for those wanting to take part, though.

Our reporter at the scene, Colin Drury, says there appears to be all kinds of organisational problems for thousands of people getting down to The Mall.

Thousands have been directed to one entrance, St George’s Steps, only to be told by security it is closed, and directed to another entrance three miles away – which was previously closed.

Barriers are now being shut despite hundreds of people crowded around.

Colin Drury2 June 2022 09:59

Queen's golden carriage seen for first time in 20 years during platinum jubilee rehearsal

Queen's golden carriage seen for first time in 20 years during platinum jubilee rehearsal
Tom Batchelor2 June 2022 10:10

Police make arrest on Mall shortly before Trooping the Colour

Police have been seen making an arrest on the Mall shortly before the Trooping the Colour ceremony begins.

Our reporter outside Buckingham Palace reported booing from the crowd as the individual was seen handcuffed on the ground.

(Sky News)
Tom Batchelor2 June 2022 10:16

Mall viewing areas ‘now full’, say police

Tom Batchelor2 June 2022 10:19

Queen’s outfits on display at Tussauds to celebrate platinum jubilee

A selection of outfits made by royal dressmakers for waxwork figures of the Queen will be on display at Madame Tussaud’s from Friday 3 June.

As part of celebrations to mark the platinum jubilee, Tussauds will showcase seven of the outfits worn by figures of the Queen throughout her reign.

Tussauds has created 24 figures of the Queen in total during her 70 years on the throne.

Read more here:

Queen’s outfits on display at Tussauds to celebrate platinum jubilee

The attraction will showcase seven of the outfits worn by figures of the Queen throughout her reign

Tom Batchelor2 June 2022 10:25

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in