As Britain Cheers, Queen Marks 50 Years

June 4, 2002

LONDON (AP) — Hundreds of thousands of people cheered wildly and waved flags in a massive display of love and loyalty Tuesday as Queen Elizabeth II rode through London in a golden carriage to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her reign. Smiling and waving, the queen was escorted by her royal guards as she and Prince Philip journeyed in the massive, ornate Gold State Coach, an elaborate 18th century carriage drawn by eight white horses and used by British monarchs for generations.

Throngs of ecstatic onlookers cheered and applauded, many of them lined up 10 deep along the route, as the queen went to St. Paul's Cathedral for a service of thanks. A sea of red, white and blue British flags waved overhead as the roars of the crowds echoed through the narrow streets.

Police estimated at least 700,000 people watched the procession in a massive show of support for the monarch, who has weathered 50 years of enormous change and occasional family scandal and embarrassment during her reign.

The queen thanked the nation for its support and affirmed her determination to continue to serve. In an unusual, if subtle response to persistent criticism, the queen praised her family, which has battled with a chain of divorces and scandals.

"Gratitude, respect and pride, these words sum up how I feel about the people of this country and the (British) Commonwealth — and what this Golden Jubilee means to me," she told a luncheon.

Britain's celebration of the Golden Jubilee showed no sign of flagging as it entered its fourth and final day. On Monday night, in one of the largest crowds ever seen in London, an estimated 1 million people gathered around the palace to watch a galaxy of mostly British rock stars on video screens.

The celebrations Tuesday focused on a solemn, regal celebration of the queen's 50 years of rule with the royal household and the military mounting a lavish display of royal pageantry.

Prince Charles and Princess Anne in uniform rode behind the queen on horseback as other members of the royal family rode ahead in open carriages. Amid all the splendor and elaborate uniforms, the queen was dressed simply in a pale blue coat and dress with matching hat.

The Household Cavalry, wearing silver breastplates and plumed helmets and grasping swords as they rode black horses, escorted the carriage. Royal musicians in gold and black uniforms and riding giant shire horses played in the procession.

Royal guardsmen in red tunics and towering black bearskin hats lined the route, their rifles held rigidly at attention. Sailors and Royal Marines in blue and white and troops of the Royal Air Force also were on guard.

Gunners of the Royal Horse Artillery fired a 41-gun salute in the nearby royal parks.

A massed choir of some 1,000 singers and musicians greeted the monarch with a chorus from Handel composed for the coronation of George II in 1727 as she set off from the palace for St. Paul's. Military bands saluted her with bugle fanfares along the route.

"God save the Queen," a choir thundered as she arrived at St. Paul's.

People came from all over the world to join the celebration.

Waving British and Australian flags, Sophie Charlton of Brisbane, Australia, said, "It's a wonderful celebration. I am celebrating the Queen's 50 years and it has been a wonderful 50 years. She is an incredible woman and a great inspiration."

Elizabeth is also queen of Australia, New Zealand, Canada and many other former British dominions and colonies.

Keith Sullivan, 38, dressed in a British flag, said: "I just wanted to be here to soak up the atmosphere, just to say that I was there. It's a fun day and she is someone we can be proud of."

In a solemn, lavish service at St. Paul's, bishops, priests and choirs in white robes led some 2,400 people in celebrating the queen's reign with prayers and hymns. Prime Minister Tony Blair and other dignitaries sat in the congregation.

Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey hailed the queen's life of service and dedication, saying the nation revered her sense of duty and dedication.

"Here, now, in this great cathedral, we give thanks, your majesty, for your devotion and your dedication over 50 extraordinary years," he said.

"And we offer in return our respect, our admiration and, yes, our love."

The church service was followed by parades outside Buckingham Palace featuring carnival dancers, soldiers, veterans and civic groups. Members of the royal family watched from a reviewing stand.

Hundreds of people had camped on sidewalks overnight to ensure they had good spots for Tuesday's procession. Many had attended the concert Monday night and decided to stay on and wait for the parade despite rain and chilly temperatures.

Sandra Lister, who waited on the streets all night with her grandson Ashley, 11, said the discomfort had been worthwhile.

"The party was absolutely fantastic. We're both very tired now and I'm longing for my bath, but we wouldn't miss today's procession for the world," she said.

Extraordinary security measures were in place, with thousands of police lining the streets. Helicopters hovered over London and police boats cruised the River Thames.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2002/06/04/jubilee.htm