Many stars mark the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II

(London) A host of stars, including the legendary British group Queen, fired up crowds in London on Saturday at a giant concert celebrating the historic 70 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, but without the weary sovereign.

Alicia Keys, Andrea Bocelli, Duran Duran… The biggest names in the pop or classical scene paraded on stage, in front of Buckingham Palace, for this show closing the third and penultimate day of the Queen’s platinum jubilee festivities. 96 years old, with a longevity unequaled in the United Kingdom.

Queen, with Adam Lambert on vocals, kicked off the evening with several of her hits like We are the Championsin front of 22,000 spectators waving Union Jack flags, as well as Crown Prince Charles and his eldest son William, who came with his wife Kate and two of their children.

Tens of thousands of onlookers, without tickets, followed the concert on giant screens on the Mall, a prestigious artery overlooking the palace.

“It’s wonderful to be back,” Queen guitarist Brian May told the BBC 20 years after performing the national anthem God Save the Queen perched on the roof of the palace, for the sovereign’s golden jubilee.

But the real star of the evening, Elizabeth II, was absent due to fragile health, having preferred to watch the concert on television, broadcast live on the BBC.

Beloved for her sense of duty and deadpan humor, she nevertheless made a surprise appearance in a short humorous video released before kick-off, where she has tea with the clumsy icon of the game, Paddington Bear. British children’s literature.

” Mom ”

The heir to the crown, Prince Charles, 73, paid a vibrant tribute to “Her Majesty” who is also his “mother”.

“Thank you” for this “whole life spent in the service of others”, he said, in front of a cheerful crowd. “You have laughed and cried with us and above all, you have been there for these 70 years,” he added, recalling the promise that Elizabeth had made princess, at 21, to serve her subjects all her life.

Despite her health concerns, the queen shows no desire to abdicate, even if she increasingly hands over to her eldest son to represent her.

His grandson William gave him a plea for the planet in front of a palace serving as a backdrop for majestic illuminations.

A symbol of stability in a century of great upheaval, the ultra-popular Elizabeth II ascended the throne at the age of 25, on February 6, 1952.

Many pre-recorded tributes also poured in during the evening, from celebrities like James Bond actor Daniel Craig, former first lady of the United States Michelle Obama or pop legend Elton John, who delivered a moving performance of Your Song.

American diva Diana Ross, 78, ‘absolutely delighted to have been asked to perform on such an important occasion’, brought a two and a half hour evening celebrating the contribution of the UK and the countries to a close. of the Commonwealth to music, the environment, sport and musicals over the past 70 years.

“Last Queen”

A joyous parenthesis of patriotic unity in the midst of a crisis in the cost of living, the Jubilee celebrations last until Sunday, thanks to a long four-day holiday weekend.

The Queen has so far only appeared on the first day on Thursday, cheering twice on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

But having then suffered from “discomfort”, she missed the religious service in her honor on Friday at Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Yet passionate about horses, she also gave up on Saturday to go to the famous Epsom Derby horse race, which she very rarely missed.

His attendance for Sunday’s curtain fall has not been confirmed.

Among those absent from the concert on Saturday were also Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, who came from California but who had chosen to celebrate the first birthday of their daughter Lilibet, whom the queen would have met for the first time, in private.

On Sunday, the rain could spoil the party when tens of thousands of outdoor lunches between neighbors are planned.

A large parade should end the celebrations at the end of the afternoon in London with some 10,000 participants.

It will end in front of Buckingham Palace, where Ed Sheeran should sing his famous ballad in honor of the Queen. Perfect.

Many of those attending the jubilee celebrations were aware that this might be the last time they would see their sovereign.

“She is our last queen. And I think she’s a wonderful queen,” Wendy Flynn, a stay-at-home mom at a street party in London, told AFP.