Queen’s Platinum Jubilee concert live: Prince Charles and William pay tribute as Alicia Keys, Jason Donovan, Queen sing
Prince Charles and Prince William gave heartfelt speeches after musicians including Aussie star Jason Donovan, Diana Ross, Alicia Keys and Queen + Adam Lambert took to the stage.
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The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations continued with 22,000 people packing the Mall in front of Buckingham Palace to watch an A-list of music stars perform at the official Platinum Party at the Palace.
But it wasn’t just a concert, it was also a time for Her Majesty to mark her 70 years on the throne — it was also a chance for her and others to send the world a message of inspiration and hope for the future.
Prince Charles paid tribute to “Your Majesty, mummy” as he said the “outpouring of warmth” was the country’s way of saying thank you.
“From your family, the country, the Commonwealth, in fact, the whole world.”
The Prince of Wales also paid tribute to the late Prince Philip, the Queen’s “strength and stay”.
“I’m sure he’s here in spirit,” Charles said. “My papa would have enjoyed the show, and would have enjoyed celebrating all that you do for your country and your people.
“How things have changed; we think of all you have done to make the Commonwealth such an important force for good,” Prince Charles said.
“You continue to make history.”
“And there was still time for fun among the work. We might have been celebrating that Derby this evening. Next year perhaps,” he joked about the Epsom Derby, the only she has yet to win of the five English Classics.
“But I know what really gets my mother up in the morning: all of you, ladies and gentlemen.
“Your Majesty, you’ve been with us in our difficult times. And you bring us together to celebrate moments of pride, joy, and happiness. Maybe this year, it really is coming home,” joking again, this time about the bringing home the football World Cup.
“You laugh and cry with us, and most importantly you have been there for us.
“You pledged to serve your whole life, you continue to deliver.
“That is why we’re here.
“I know the Queen is watching these celebrations with much emotion, having I hope finished her marmalade sandwich.
“But, Windsor Castle is barely 20 miles away, so if we cheer loud enough, she might just hear us.”
As the crowd roared, and Charles stepped away ahead of a rendition of God Save the Queen, he could be heard off the mic commenting on the crowd’s response: “That’s the spirit. Bravo.”
The Green Planet section of the event was opened by a message from the Queen, pre-recorded at the global climate change COP26 conference last year.
“None of us underestimates the challenge ahead but history has shown that when nations come together in common cause there is always room for hope,” the Queen said.
Sir David Attenborough said we are at a crossroads, with the decisions made today leading to a bright future for all humanity.
“The Queen and her family have been a crucial part in working on conservation for our green planet,” he said.
Prince William took the stage to joke Buckingham Palace had been “turned into a giant IMAX screen” before expressing his “awe” for people like Sir David Attenborough who work to conserve the environment.
“I’m so proud that my grandfather and my father have been part of those efforts,” he said.
“While no one’s grandmother thanks them for talking about their age, my own grandmother has been alive for almost a century,” he continued, before adding that, in those 100-years, “Our planet has become more fragile.”
“Today, in 2022, as the Queen celebrates the Platinum Jubilee, the pressing need to protect the planet has never been more urgent,” Prince William added.
He said the Platinum Party “has been full of such optimism and joy”, before adding that future generations will be able to say, “with pride at what has been achieved, what a wonderful world”.
Tributes for the Queen continued to roll in with taped messages from Dame Judy Dench, David Beckham, Ellie Simmonds, Dame Julie Andrews, and Sir Mo Farah. Comedian Stephen Fry took to the stage for a live tribute to her 70-year reign
“We are all Elizabethans, and that’s a wonderful thing to be,” Fry said.
“Whatever our politics, our beliefs or our background,” he continued, they can all celebrate the Queen.
AUSSIE STAR JOINS PLATINUM PARTY
Australian actor Jason Donovan donned his famous technicolour jacket as he joined an honour roll of A-list musicians who performed for the Queen at the Platinum Party at the Palace.
Donovan, who was the only Australian to sing on stage, perfomed Any Dream Will Do, from the worldwide hit musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
Fans lit up social media with their praise after seeing Donovan return to the stage after many years in the iconic role.
Donovan was personally invited to be part of the show by Andrew Lloyd Webber via voicemail message, saying he was called by the theatre impresario who said he needed to speak to him “urgently”.
“We have got something special to finish the moment and I am hoping that all goes to plan,” Webber said.
“What an event, you work a lifetime for something like this,” enthused Donovan said.
Jason Donovan, brilliant. Any dream will do! #PlatinumPartyatthePalace#platiniumjubileepic.twitter.com/4vqEeste6K
— Dariusz Ski (@dskiuk2) June 4, 2022
ROD STEWART’S SHOUTOUT TO ROYALS
Musical legend Sir Rod Stewart also joked the BBC made him sing Neil Diamond’s classic song Sweet Caroline.
“Join in and make it comfortable for me,” he asked the crowd.
Prince William and Kate, along with George and Charlotte, took him up on the offer and sang along. Prince Charles and Camilla, however, kept their lips shut tight, choosing to instead wave flags while appearing less enthused.
ALICIA KEYS CHANGES LYRICS
Alicia Keys dedicated her song Superwoman to the Queen, before performing Girl on Fire and her 2016 megahit, Empire State of Mind – swapping out New York for London in the hook.
“When I’m in London, I feel like, I feel like I’m home. When I’m in London it reminds me so much of New York. I love you London,” she said.
ELTON JOHN’S TRIBUTE
As the sun went down, Elton John lit up the stage with a pre-recorded performance projected on to Buckingham Palace.He paid tribute to the Queen’s “amazing” reign as he dedicated his rendition of Your Song to her.
QUEEN+ ADAM LAMBERT ROCK OUT
The Queen kicked off her Jubilee concert main event by tapping her teacup along to Adam Lambert singing We Will Rock You.
The monarch chatted with Paddington Bear as they tuned in remotely to see tens of thousands of spectators in a sea of Union Jack flags filled through the Mall.
Guitarist Brian May appeared on stage as the two rockers played Queen’s British rock classics Don’t Stop Me Now and We are the Champions, which Prince William and Kate were seen enjoying from the royal box.
The Duke and Duchess were joined by politicians including Prime Minister Boris Johnson and opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer.
More than 30 royals were expected in the main box, but among them won’t be Prince Harry or Meghan Markle.
A spokesperson for the couple said they were spending the day privately after celebrating the first birthday of daughter Lilibet.
QUEEN’S SURPRISE SKIT
In her 2½ minute sketch with Paddington Bear to start the concert, the Queen revealed what she keeps in her handbag: A marmalade sandwich.
🥪 👜 Ma’amalade sandwich Your Majesty?
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) June 4, 2022
The Queen and Paddington Bear get the #PlatinumPartyatthePalace rocking.#PlatinumJubilee
The short clip was reportedly a surprise even to the royal family, with a palace spokesperson saying she wanted to participate to show how much the event meant to her.
“While the Queen may not be attending the concert in person, she was very keen that people understood how much it meant to her and that all those watching had a great time,” the spokesperson said, according to Sky News.
#PlatinumPartyatthePalace is live!
— DCMS (@DCMS) June 4, 2022
Tune in now on @BBCOne & @BBCiPlayer 📺#PlatinumJubileepic.twitter.com/sLAt59Ojm9
“There was an interest in the filming and animation process and the opportunity to invite a famous bear to tea was just too much fun to miss.”
BOJO COPS A JIBE FOR PARTYGATE
Standing in front of the gate at Buckingham Palace, Lee Mack took over the party’s hosting duties to joke it was the first time they could say “party” and “gate” together without it being controversial, referencing the prime minister’s “Partygate” scandal.
SHOW MUST GO ON
Jax Jones then evoked the Queen’s sartorial style in tribute with a giant, blue furry hat in performances alongside Mabel and John Newman.Elbow’s frontman Guy Garvey came out next to slow the tempo down with One Day Like This.
Craig David hit the turntables to sing Ain’t giving up from his 2016 album, Following My Intuition, and classic hits Re-Rewind and Fill Me In.
“Congratulations to the Queen, 70 years of service,” he shouted out.
David, who sang his iconic Bo’ Selecta!, was followed by Mimi Webb singing her single House on Fire.
Rapper Diversity performed a tribute to 70-years of British pop music, tracing the its history from the Beatles, the Spice Girls, One Direction and Adele
“No doubt we’re a powerhouse nation of the music scene,” Diversity rapped, and all seen by the Queen. “And where pop music goes from here, well, I’m so excited to see.”
LLOYD-WEBBER EMERGES WITH HAMILTON CAST
Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and Lin Manuel Miranda introduced the cast of Hamilton for a medley of the UK’s biggest theatre hits.“Your reign has outrun any theatre show in history,” Webber said.
“An extraordinary achievement.”
MORE TRIBUTES TO THE QUEEN
In a voice-over, the Queen said she made a vow when she turned 21 to devote herself to service, and she has never regretted it since.
“I asked God’s help to make good that vow,” she said.
Paul McCartney appeared in a pre-recorded tribute to her “70 beautiful years”, as did James Bond actor, Daniel Craig.
“I would follow you anywhere ma’am, out of any helicopter door,” he said.
In a video message for the #PlatinumPartyatthePalace, #DanielCraig thanked the #Queen. In a nod to their joint appearance in a #JamesBond clip for the 2012 Olympics, he said: "I would follow you anywhere mum, out of any helicopter door." pic.twitter.com/i9okJVPCfS
— CineKompass (@CineKompass) June 4, 2022
Michelle Obama thanked the Queen for welcoming a nervous first lady, and “Your extraordinary kindness to our children”.
“Thank you ma’am for your remarkable example,” Obama added.
Britain’s Eurovision runner-up, Sam Ryder decked himself out in Union Jack coloured rhinestones as Prince Charles and Anne were shown enjoying the performance.
“Let’s remember this remarkable moment of unity. Love ya, peace, bye,” said Ryder.
George Ezra’s performance stuttered as the music appeared to cut out during his hit, ‘Throw a Party!’
ANDREA BOCELLI STEALS THE SHOW
Italy’s operatic tenor Andrea Bocelli delivered a show-stealing performance of the rousing ‘Nessun Dorma’.
In another pre-recorded message, the Queen remembered King George VI as she gave her “heartfelt thanks” to the public for supporting her reign.
“Over the years I have tried to follow my father’s example and serve you as best I can,” she said. “You have given me in return your loyalty and understanding. For that, I give you my heartfelt thanks.”
Duran Duran and Nile Rogers performed Girls On Film as images of the Queen were projected across the façade of Buckingham Palace.
Thousands of Brits gathered outside Buckingham Palace for the Queen’s Platinum Party.
DIANA ROSS STUNS THE CROWD
The concert was closed out by The Boss, Diana Ross, who thanked the Queen for her decades of devotion.“I am filled with admiration for you, your Majesty,” she said, as the Platinum Party came to an end.
Ross made it to the stage for her first live performance in the UK in 15 years, before she heads to the Glastonbury Festival later this month.
“I have had the honour of meeting the Queen many times throughout my life, including when I was with my family,” the 78-year-old diva said.
“Her Majesty has and continues to be such an incredible inspiration to so many across the world and I was absolutely delighted to receive an invitation to perform on such a momentous and historic occasion.”
Speaking on behalf of Queen + Adam Lambert, was Brian May, who provided one of the most enduring images from the 2002 jubilee, playing God Save the Queen from the roof of Buckingham Palace.
“Twenty years after playing The Queen’s glorious Golden Jubilee we’re very happy to be invited again,” he said.
“Then there was a moment when I wondered … after Buckingham Palace roof where can you go? Well … you will see!”
Sir Rod Stewart, who received a knighthood in the queen’s 2016 birthday honours for services to music and charity, said the gig was “nerve-racking”.
“Queen Elizabeth has given incredible service to the United Kingdom over the last 70 years and I’m delighted to be able to join her in celebrating her Platinum Jubilee with the Party At The Palace,” he said.
“She has demonstrated to the world what a special person she is and how lucky we are to have her. This will be a momentous occasion.”
The Queen made two public appearances to huge crowds from the Buckingham Palace balcony on Thursday, and was then at Windsor for a beacon-lighting ceremony.
The effort, after months battling difficulties walking and standing, left her in “some discomfort”, Buckingham Palace said.
It led to her withdrawing from Friday’s church service and the Epsom racecourse for the flat-racing showcase The Derby.
Her no-show at The Derby on Saturday is only the fourth time the keen horseracing fan, rider and breeder has missed the race since 1952.
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