On this day in 1977, more than one million people lined the streets of London to watch the Royal Family on their way to St Paul's at the start of the Queen's Silver Jubilee celebrations. Despite the rain thousands camped out over night to try to get a better view of the procession as it made its way down the Mall and through Trafalgar Square, Fleet Street and Ludgate Hill. Across Britain millions of people tuned in to watch events on the television and many more celebrated with their own street parties. Roads were quiet and many took the day off work.
At St Paul's 2,700 specially selected guests, including politicians and other heads of state joined in the ceremony which began with Ralph Vaughan Williams' arrangement of the hymn "All people that on earth do dwell" which was played at the Queen's coronation in 1953.
The Queen dressed in pink on her Jubilee Day and accompanied by Prince Phillip, led the procession in the golden state coach. Speaking at the Corporation of London Guildhall lunch, the Queen thanked the peoples of Britain and the Commonwealth for their loyalty and friendship, which, she said, had given her strength and encouragement for the past 25 years. She also thanked the many thousands who had sent messages of congratulations and their good wishes for the future.
The Queen and Prince Phillip then mingled with the crowds who handed them cards and flowers. Later the Royal Family delighted the crowds again with an appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
The Queen, along with her husband the Duke of Edinburgh, waved as the crowd on the Mall, which resembled a sea of Union Jack flags, sang the National Anthem.
To watch a video clip of the Jubilee Celebrations click on the link below:
