Queen 'inspired by goodwill' for historic jubilee celebrations

Prince Charles visited Commonwealth member Canada last month as part of the jubilee buildup, joining in a traditional dance with members of the Dettah First Nations community

Queen Elizabeth II said Wednesday that her British subjects and Commonwealth nations should look ahead with "confidence and enthusiasm" as they prepared to celebrate her record-breaking 70 years on the throne.

Four days of Platinum Jubilee festivities take place from Thursday as Britons contend with a surge in inflation not seen since the 1970s, with many households struggling to put food on the table and pay rocketing bills.

But in a message for the jubilee, Elizabeth gave thanks to all involved in organising activities from local to national levels, in Britain and across the 54-nation Commonwealth.

"I continue to be inspired by the goodwill shown to me, and hope that the coming days will provide an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved during the last 70 years, as we look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm."

Others will be lit across the Commonwealth, starting with Tonga and Samoa in the Pacific and ending in the Caribbean and Canada.

With two public holidays from Thursday and then the weekend, British pubs, restaurants and retailers are hoping for a timely sales boost, after a difficult period including the Covid pandemic.

On The Mall, a red-paved avenue leading to Buckingham Palace, royal enthusiasts from far and wide have been camping out, despite heavy downpours.

"It will be the most magical moment," she said.

A poll for The Sun newspaper this week gave the queen a 91.7-percent approval rating. Charles commanded only 67.5 percent, behind his son Prince William on 87.4 percent.

- Post-pandemic -

She has overcome numerous family traumas, including Charles' very public split from Princess Diana and personal heartache when her consort Prince Philip died aged 99 last year.

The celebrations kick off Thursday with Trooping the Colour, a military parade that has officially marked the British monarch's birthday for centuries.

The aerial display is expected to be watched by the queen and senior royals from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

- Multicultural modernity -

Participants in a giant public parade through central London earlier Sunday will be familiar to anyone acquainted with British popular culture since 1952.

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