“Our Queen represents the most important values ​​of dignity, duty and devotion” – Jason Beattie

According to Jason Beattie, the Queen’s reign began in the shadow of the Cold War and ended with the war in Ukraine. She was a constant in the rapidly changing and turbulent world

The celebrations have already begun with dedicated Platinum Jubilee revelers determined to thank the Queen for her 70 years.

Spirits were high on The Mall, awash with a sea of ​​red, white and blue flags as final preparations got underway in London today.

Royal spectators began arriving on Monday to secure the best seat for tonight’s Trooping the Color parade – with some even traveling from the US. They were packed with tents, deckchairs and champagne.

Connecticut’s Donna Werner booked her tickets as soon as palace officials finalized the date.

She and friend Mary-Jane Willows, from Penzance in Cornwall, arrived on Tuesday and plan to go camping until Sunday.

Donna, 70, said: “I’ve followed the royal family since I was a girl. I love the grand palaces and the gardens and everything that has to do with Britain.

“I wanted to show the Queen my respect for everything she has done.”

Mary-Jane, 68, added: “This is the most important royal event of our lives. She gave us 70 years – we can give her the weekend.”

John Loughrey, 67, of Streatham, was the first to arrive at The Mall when he pitched his tent on Monday.

After posing with his cardboard cut out image of Her Majesty, he declared: “I want to say to the Queen: you are the crown jewels and we thank you ma’am.” Enthusiastic cyclists known as the Bike Angels of Basildon rode The down the Mall singing God Save The Queen.

Clare Weitzel, 55, said: “There is already a fabulous atmosphere.”

Carole Oakley, 62, and Judith Shaw, 62, added: “The Queen has done so much. We want to show her what we all think of her.”

Sandra Brabbs, 48, who had traveled from Yeovil in Somerset with pal Jo Elworthy, 55, said: “I think this will be the last time we see the Queen so publicly – after this weekend she will be stepping down. It’s so exciting to be a part of it.”

Elsewhere in the country, there were similar stories of people getting into the party spirit.

The cheerful Rother Bobber swimmers in Union Jack colors showed their support as they hit the water at Langland Bay in Swansea, South Wales.

But not everyone was in a celebratory mood. In Liverpool, graffiti on a billboard read, “F*** the Queen, feed the poor.”