Platinum Jubilee: From Paddington to the return of the Sussexes – memorable moments from the weekend | UK News

The four-day Bank Holiday celebrations brought neighbours, celebrities and much of the nation together as Britons marked the 70-year reign of the country’s longest-serving monarch.

From the Queen’s surprise film with Paddington Bear, to Harry and Meghan’s low-profile visit and Prince Louis entertaining the crowds, it’s been quite the weekend.

Street parties were held across the country, with an array of events.

Sky News has picked out some of the most memorable moments from the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The Queen’s appearances

While the Queen did skip some events, like the Epsom Derby, she was met with excited crowds and loud cheers in the moments she did appear.

There had been speculation that she would not appear at the horse race due to the ongoing mobility issues she experienced during her two appearances on Thursday.

Her appearance at Saturday’s Buckingham Palace concert was limited to a film, though it turned out to be one of the highlights of the entire Jubilee, as she had tea with Paddington.

Our first in-person glimpse of Her Majesty had come at Trooping the Colour, sparking excitement in the crowd along The Mall on the opening day of the celebrations.

She appeared on the balcony with other senior members of the Royal Family and was seen smiling at the flypast and talking to members of the family who joined her.

In her final appearance on Sunday, dressed in green, she waved from the balcony at Buckingham Palace.

She was joined by Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, and the Cambridges and their children.

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Cambridge kids front and centre

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis appeared at many of the events.

The young trio surprised us all when they were pictured making cakes in Cardiff, greeting performers and laughing and waving alongside their parents.

Prince Louis made headlines with his many expressions at Trooping the Colour and at Sunday’s pageant.

The four-year-old prince was seen covering his ears during the flypast, looking rather grumpy, waving to crowds as they cheered and pulling funny faces.

The return of Harry and Meghan

Although the return of Prince Harry and Meghan to the UK with their children was highly-anticipated, the couple kept a low profile at the celebrations.

Meghan was first pictured behind the scenes at Buckingham Palace, where she playfully shushed children, as Trooping the Colour took place.

The pair appeared in public on Friday at a thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral. The couple’s two children, Archie and Lilibet, were not seen.

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On Saturday, Lilibet turned one and was expected to meet the Queen for the first time, although it is not clear whether this took place.

Both Harry and Meghan had not been seen in public together with the Royals since their final engagement as working royals – the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in March 2020.

Protest at Epsom Derby

On day three of the celebrations, animal activists protested at Epsom Derby Day as Prince Anne and other royals watched on.

Pro-vegan group Animal Rebellion claimed six women made it on to the track before they were removed by police.

Activists from the same group were arrested on Thursday after entering the ceremonial route on The Mall before Trooping the Colour.

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The Queen’s climate credentials

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our time, and it was put front and centre during Saturday’s concert, with the Duke of Cambridge taking the opportunity to stress his grandmother’s green credentials.

Prince William praised the Queen for her “hope” in the future of the planet, echoing her speech to the COP26 climate change summit, when she spoke about working together in a “common cause”.

He said: “It’s my firm hope that my grandmother’s words are as true in 70 years’ time as they are tonight that as nations we come together in common cause, because then there is always room for hope.

“Tonight has been full of such optimism and joy – and there is hope. Together, if we harness the very best of humankind, and restore our planet, we will protect it for our children, for our grandchildren and for future generations to come.”