We must hurry to cross the Mall, this straight avenue of one kilometer which starts from Buckingham Palace, lined with metal barriers, this is where the military parade will take place on Thursday and the big parade on Sunday. We must hurry because the soldiers and the horses, in order and in step, are doing their rehearsals.
Emily doesn’t miss a thing, her eyes sparkling. “It is very special indeed. She did so well and worked so hard. I hope she has a great jubilee because we all respect her deeply. I’m in my sixties, she’s always been my queen. What an example for all of us, really“, she smiles.
/2022/05/30/php24cPgQ.jpg)
The Buckingham gates, where tourists usually flock, are inaccessible. If we move away, to arrive at Piccadilly Circus for example. A huge portrait of Elizabeth II occupies the bright screens, usually reserved for advertisements of major brands. Lia, 9 years old, observes impressed. She has every intention of paying homage to him too: “At home, to celebrate the Queen, I will make cookies in the shape of crowns.
Everyone actually gets into it. Parties organized by the town hall, neighborhood councils, neighbours, sports clubs or schools. There will be everywhere promises Tracy Halliwell, she heads the tourism branch of London and partners, the city’s promotion agency. “So many things are going to happen! It will be a huge party weekend. A long weekend since we will have an extra holiday. And the British love it. There will be plenty of activities for everyone. This is a key moment this year, our international clientele is always very interested in the monarchy and royal events“, she rejoices.
During these four days, pubs were allowed to close later. They hope to sell 90 million pints of beer nationwide.