Millions of people in Britain and around the world are taking to the streets these hours to celebrate the British monarchy's first ever Platinum Jubilee - 70 years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
Dozens of people spent the night in tents, wrapped in British flags, on Mall Street leading to the royal palace to be the first to be at the heart of the event.
"I continue to be inspired by the goodwill shown to me, and hope that the coming days will provide an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved during the last seventy years, as we look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm," the Queen said the day before in her message to the nation on the occasion of the Platinum Jubilee.
In honor of the holiday, a long weekend has been announced across the country, beginning Thursday through the end of the week, which will be marked by celebrations and mass festivities.
The first event of the day will be the traditional carrying of the banner: a centuries-old tradition in which the oldest units of the British Army, essentially the Queen's personal guard, march from Buckingham Palace to Whitehall and back.
This year, the honor of carrying the banners is entrusted to the first battalion of Irish Guardsmen.
A total of about 1,500 soldiers and officers and 350 horses will take part in the ceremony.
Despite some mobility difficulties that have forced her to forego several public appearances, the 96-year-old queen is likely to appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, accompanied by other high-ranking members of the royal family, to watch the aerial parade.
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