The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations kicked off with the first major event, which highlighted one of her greatest passions in life – horses.
Gallop Through History saw the monarch entertained by dancers, showbiz A-listers and horse stars as the nation acknowledges her unprecedented 70 years on the throne.
The diverse spectacle also included Hollywood royalty, with Tom Cruise playing a prominent role, while Bollywood dancers and a troupe from Azerbaijan added color to a spectacular pageant.
Conclude
Pipers perform at pageant near Windsor Castle (Steve Parsons/PA)
Conclude
The Queen received a standing ovation upon arrival (Steve Parsons/PA)
Conclude
Tom Cruise during the platinum anniversary celebration “A Gallop Through History” (Steve Parsons/PA)
Conclude
The Queen watches the performances (Steve Parsons/PA)
There was a nod to the other Queen Elizabeth, with Dame Helen Mirren donning the guise of the famous Tudor queen of the previous Elizabethan era. She has already played the current heir to the throne on stage and screen.
Conclude
Dame Helen Mirren dressed as Queen Elizabeth I performs during the A Gallop Through History Platinum Jubilee Celebration (Steve Parsons/PA)
The King’s Troop, who regularly appear at state events, provided the Queen with the perfect start to the celebrations of her long reign, while her granddaughter, Lady Louise Windsor, showed that the younger generation is as adept at handling horses as they are at driving carriages.
Conclude
The King’s Troupe (Steve Parsons/PA)
Conclude
Artists from Azerbaijan perform during platinum anniversary celebration “A Gallop Through History” (Steve Parsons/PA)
Conclude
Bollywood dancers perform (Steve Parsons/PA)
Conclude
Bollywood dancers at work (Steve Parsons/PA)
Conclude
Katherine Jenkins performs (Steve Parsons/PA)
Conclude
The Queen meets Alan Tichmarsh and Adjoa Andoh (left) as she departs after the platinum anniversary celebration ‘A Gallop Through History’ at the Royal Windsor Horse Show (Steve Parsons/PA)
The Queen, whose mobility issues have limited her recent public appearances, departed after enjoying a diverse spectacle as she began her eighth decade as head of the monarchy, a role she took on following the death of her father George VI. inherited in 1952.
Conclude
The Queen goes off (Steve Parsons/PA)
She left the scene having visibly enjoyed the prelude to the final milestone of her long reign.
https://www.independent.ie/world-news/and-finally/in-pictures-horses-galore-as-the-platinum-jubilee-festivities-commence-41652861.html In pictures: Horses galore as the Platinum Jubilee celebrations begin