Prince William pays tribute to the Queen’s 70 years of service and her optimism for future generations in Jubilee speech
PRINCE William has paid a moving tribute to his grandmother during the star-studded Party at the Palace concert.
The crowd of 22,000 people cheered wildly as the Duke of Cambridge took to the stage to speak about the Queen’s service.
He joked the venue had “turned into an IMAX screen” as performers including Queen and Rod Stewart entertained the audience.
And he used the speech to talk about the environment, telling of his pride in father Charles and late grandfather Philip for their work.
“While no one’s grandmother thanks them for talking about their age, my own grandmother has been alive for nearly a century. In that time, mankind has benefited from unimaginable technological developments and scientific breakthroughs,” he said.
“And although those breakthroughs have increased our awareness of the impact humans have on our world, our planet has become more fragile.
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“Today, in 2022 – as the Queen celebrates her Platinum Jubilee – the pressing need to protect and restore our planet has never been more urgent.”
However, he said he is an “optimist” – and said the Jubilee has provided great “joy” to Brits.
William was accompanied to the concert tonight by wife Kate, who stunned in white, and the couple’s eldest children Charlotte and George.
The family were seen laughing and joking together as they took their seats for the glitzy do at Buckingham Palace.
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Hundreds of thousands of people have lined The Mall tonight to celebrate.
There were huge cheers as the Cambridges arrived, hours after a royal visit to Wales with their two eldest children.
William donned a blue suit. George is in smart navy this evening, while little Charlotte is wearing a pink dress and cardigan.
The Queen will not be attending the festivities – although she recorded a hilarious clip with Paddington Bear, which was screened before the performances began.
In the skit, the pair – both much-loved British institutions – met for a chaotic cream tea.
Her Majesty revealed she shares Paddington’s love of marmalade sandwiches and keeps an emergency stash in her trademark handbag.
Tonight, she has watched the performances from world-famous artists including Sir Elton John and Diana Ross from the comfort of her home.
But she’s well represented by her family, many of whom appeared to be in great spirits as they took their seats.
Princess Charlotte, who stole the show earlier today as she pretended to conduct a band on her visit to Wales, was spotted waving a Union Jack flag.
More on the Queen’s Jubilee weekend…
- Sweet Princess Charlotte was spotted giggling as she conducted a band on her first royal visit
- Forecasters have warned Party at the Palace crowds could face flash flooding tonight as a warning is issued
- A professional lip reader has revealed a very personal comment Harry made to cousin Zara yesterday
- Zara has also given an update on the Queen’s health today, revealing her grandmother is enjoying the celebrations at home
- Brits around the country are making the most of the warm weather as they lift a glass to toast Her Majesty
Prince George leant over to speak to his father, with the pair spotted laughing together as the music began.
Kate was also seen sharing a joke with Mike and Zara Tindall.
The couple leant in to talk to the duchess as she laughed.
Kate later appeared to have a little dance in her seat as Adam Lambert and Queen played We Will Rock You.
Other famous faces have already paid tribute in pre-recorded videos.
Daniel Craig – who performed a skit with the Queen ahead of the 2012 London Olympics – and former first lady Michelle Obama were among those to speak.
The monarch decided not to attend after bowing out of both the service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s and the Epsom Derby when she suffered some discomfort on Thursday.
She said she’d decided to take a break from events with “great reluctance”.
Granddaughter Zara aid earlier that Her Majesty is enjoying the celebrations at home in her “comfy clothes”.
Harry and Meghan will also not be in the audience this evening.
The couple will remain at Frogmore Cottage tonight after spending the day celebrating daughter Lilibet’s first birthday privately.
Roman Kemp, the DJ and son of Spandau Ballet favourite Martin Kemp, is presenting the festivities along with fellow DJ and presenter Clara Amfo.
Famous performers include the likes of Rod Stewart, Craig David, George Ezra, Alicia Keys and Diversity.
They’ll be accompanied by a full, live orchestra.
The huge show will come to an end at 10.30pm.
Kirsty Young will be hosting the concert and presenting much of the BBC’s coverage of the Jubilee.
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It is the second to last of the major Jubilee events, with the Platinum Jubilee Pageant set to take place tomorrow.
During the 2012 Jubilee, Madness, Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue performed in the gardens of Buckingham Palace.
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