Bunting, street parties and pomp: Britain unites for its beloved Queen
Britain fetes a woman who has for so long anchored the House of Windsor and the UK constitution. But soon will come a time to face the more clouded future.
East Anglia, a clutch of agrarian counties north-east of London, is among the most deeply conservative parts of England: Brexit-backing, Tory-voting – the local Conservative Party branches are known as “the turnip Taliban” – and staunchly traditional.
In Hopton, a village sitting serenely at almost the dead-centre of this region, the Union Jack bunting is surprisingly scant. But enthusiasm is in full swing for the Platinum Jubilee – officially a celebration of the Queen’s extraordinary 70 years on the throne, but also a four-day excuse to let patriotism blossom in the sunshine.
Hans van LeeuwenEurope correspondentHans van Leeuwen covers British and European politics, economics and business from London. He has worked as a reporter, editor and policy adviser in Sydney, Canberra, Hanoi and London. Connect with Hans on Twitter. Email Hans at hans.vanleeuwen@afr.com
