The Queen has said she is “inspired by the goodwill shown to me” and thanked the nation when a new portrait of her was unveiled for the platinum jubilee.
In a special message to the country, Her Majesty said “many happy memories will be created” over the next four days.
The 96-year-old monarch is celebrating her 70th birthday as queen and said she hopes the festivities will provide people with an opportunity to reflect on the country’s achievements since 1952, adding that she looks to the future with ” confidence and enthusiasm “.
“Thank you to everyone who has been involved in bringing together communities, family, neighbors and friends to celebrate my platinum jubilee, in the UK and across the Commonwealth,” he said.
“I know that many happy memories will be created during these festive occasions.
“I continue to be inspired by the goodwill shown to me, and I hope that the next few days will be an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved over the last seventy years, as we look to the future with confidence and excitement. “.
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Along with her statements, a portrait of the Platinum Jubilee was unveiled, showing the Queen at Windsor Castle in a blue dove-colored Angela Kelly coat at dusk.
The image was taken by photographer Ranald Mackechnie in the Victoria Vestibule in the Queen’s private apartments in Windsor.
The queen, who has mobility problems at the age of 96, has been advancing to the commemorations.
The extended weekend begins with the traditional military show Trooping the Color on Thursday, featuring more than 1,500 officers and soldiers and 350 horses from the Home Division.
In the evening, more than 3,000 beacons will be lit across the UK and the Commonwealth.