The Queen’s star-studded Jubilee line-up gives subtle tribute to Princess Diana

Queen guitarist Brian May and Adam Lambert will headline, with a surprise tribute to Princess Diana. SEE THE FULL LINE-UP.

Twenty years after performing God Save the Queen on the roof of Buckingham Palace, Queen guitarist Brian May will return to headline the Platinum Jubilee concert.

“We’re very happy to be invited again,” May said in a statement. “Then there was a moment when I wondered … after Buckingham Palace roof where can you go? Well … you will see!”

He will be joined by American singer-songwriter Adam Lambert to open the 70th-anniversary celebrations.

'Queen' guitarist Brian May plays the British national anthem from the roof of Buckingham Palace in 2002 for the Golden Jubilee of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. Picture: AP.

The Queen & Adam Lambert Concert at AAMI Park, Melbourne. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

While May, who played at her Golden Jubilee in 2002, gained top billing for the Queen’s Platinum celebrations, the final performer listed gives a subtle nod to the late Princess Diana.

Buckingham Palace revealed that Sir Elton John would participate in the event with a “specially recorded performance”. His previous performance for the Royal family, Goodbye England’s Rose, also known as Candle in the Wind, became an iconic moment during the funeral of Princess Diana.

Elton John singing "Candle in the Wind" at the funeral of Princess Diana in 1997.

The Queen shares the anniversary of her 70-years on the throne with the 25th anniversary of Diana’s death in 1997, adding significance to the inclusion of Sir Elton in the Palace’s meticulously stage-managed Jubilee. Which song he will play, however, remains unknown.

The three-stage, two-and-a-half-hour event will be broadcast live on BBC on June 4, Sir Rod Stewart will also appear at the top of the ticket, while Diana Ross will close the event in her first UK live performance in 15 years.

“I have had the honour of meeting the Queen many times throughout my life, including when I was with my family,” she 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.”

Other major musical stars include Duran Duran, Alicia Keys and Craig David on the performers’ stage, with English celebrities including David Beckham and Sir David Attenborough joining the festivities.

US singer-songwriter Alicia Keys arrives for the 2022 Met Gala. Picture: AFP)

Singer Craig David in Melbourne for RNB Fridays Live. Picture: Kylie Else.

The event will highlight themes of her 70-year reign as monarch, including the Commonwealth’s contributions to fashion, sport, the environment, pop music and musicals.

Sections were curated by Andrew Loyd Webber and Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda will feature with a special appearance, with the cast of Hamilton featuring alongside performances from The Phantom Of The Opera, Hamilton, Six, The Lion King and Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

While additional artists will be confirmed closer to the event, the current line-up includes Hans Zimmer, Ella Eyre, Mabel, Elbow, George Ezra Andrea Bocelli, Mimi Webb, Sam Ryder, Jax Jones, Celeste, Nile Rodgers, Sigala and Britain’s Got Talen winners, Diversity.

From the stage and screen will be Emma Raducanu, Stephen Fry, Dame Julie Andrews, The Royal Ballet, Ellie Simmonds, and Sam Ryder, the United Kingdom’s Eurovision hero.

Sam Ryder, who performed at the 66th Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final in Italy. Picture: Getty Images.

Originally published as The Queen’s star-studded Jubilee line-up gives subtle tribute to Princess Diana