Britain gets in party mode with star-studded concert for queen's jubilee

Party for Queen Elizabeth II's Jubilee on Windsor's long walk

Britain revelled in celebrations Saturday for Queen Elizabeth II's 70 years on the throne as it staged a spectacular "party at the palace" featuring Diana Ross, Andrea Bocelli and Rod Stewart while Prince Charles led heartfelt tributes.

The concert, the climax of the third day of public events to mark the 96-year-old monarch's record-breaking Platinum Jubilee, saw 22,000 ticket-holders watch performers on a purpose-built 360-degree stage outside Buckingham Palace.

"You have met us and talked with us, you laugh and cry with us and, most importantly, you have been there for us for these 70 years," Charles said from the stage as the event drew to a close.

- 'Happy Jubilee, ma'am' -

She had made two public appearances on the Buckingham Palace balcony on the first day of celebrations Thursday, but that left her in "some discomfort", the palace said, amid persistent difficulties walking and standing.

As that night's star-studded show started, the monarch made a surprise on-screen appearance in a comedic pre-recorded scene taking tea with Britain's beloved children's book and film character Paddington Bear.

"That's very kind," the queen replied, before the pair began tapping out the drum beat to rock band Queen's "We Will Rock You" on their tea cups and saucers with silver spoons.

- 'Honoured' -

"It's wonderful to be back," guitarist Brian May told the BBC beforehand, in a nod to one of the most enduring images from the 2002 jubilee, playing "God Save the Queen" on the roof of Buckingham Palace.

Other performers included Rod Stewart, who sang the Neil Diamond hit "Sweet Caroline", and the UK's Eurovision 2022 runner-up Sam Ryder. 

"I feel deeply honoured to have spent time with you over the years," said Obama, recalling her own nervousness visiting Buckingham Palace and thanking the queen for "your remarkable example".

The palace was majestically illuminated through the evening, including with a message from natural history broadcaster David Attenborough and accompanying video featuring the queen.

The Duke of Cambridge used his speech to commend the queen's commitment to conservation and tackling climate change.

The couple marked their second child Lilibet's first birthday Saturday.

Britain made Thursday and Friday public holidays to mark the royal milestone, which has focused attention on the monarchy's future without the queen.

Jubilee events began with Thursday's pomp-filled Trooping the Colour military parade while Friday saw a traditional Church of England service led by senior royals -- and included Harry and Meghan -- in St Paul's Cathedral.

Ed Sheeran will round off the celebrations Sunday, singing his 2017 hit "Perfect".

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Originally published as Britain gets in party mode with star-studded concert for queen's jubilee