Platinum jubilee: Queen thanks nation in jubilee message

Queen ‘inspired’ by goodwill on eve of four days of celebration in her honour, as palace releases new portrait of 96-year-old monarch.

‘An honour to be asked and a privilege to undertake’: The Queen at Windsor Castle. Picture: Ranald Mackechnie via Getty Images

The Queen has delivered a message of thanks to the nation, saying she is inspired by the goodwill shown to her on the eve of her Platinum Jubilee.

As millions across Britain prepare to gather in her honour, the Queen said “many happy memories” would be formed during four days of celebration.

The official Platinum Jubilee portrait of Queen Elizabeth II was photographed at Windsor Castle recently. The portrait, by Mr Ranald Mackechnie, was taken in the Victoria Vestibule at Windsor Castle. Captured in the background are the Castle’s Round Tower, and the statue of King Charles II which stands in the Quadrangle of the Castle. Picture: Royal Household/Ranald Mackechnie via Getty Images

The message was released with a new photographic portrait of the Queen, 96. Ranald Mackechnie has taken two previous portraits of her. He said of the portrait: “It is an honour to be asked and a privilege to undertake.”

Buckingham Palace has also said that she will lead the lighting of the principal jubilee beacon from Windsor Castle overnight Thursday in a dual ceremony with the Duke of Cambridge, who will be at the Palace. The Queen will leave London after Trooping the Colour today.

She said in her message: “Thank you to everyone who has been involved in convening communities, families, neighbours and friends to mark my Platinum Jubilee, in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth. I know that many happy memories will be created at these festive occasions.

“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.”

THE TIMES