Queen’s Platinum Jubilee bank holiday 2022 LIVE: Fans and stars descend on Buckingham Palace ahead of concert

Playing for the Queen ‘surreal’ says George Ezra

Speaing to Sky News, George Ezra said it would be “surreal” to play at the concert.

“If I weren’t playing today, what would I be doing? I would be back home with the people I love raising a glass,” he added.

Nile Rodgers posts rehearsal video ahead of Jubilee performance

Animal Rebellion claims six of its members ran on to Epsom track

Animal rights campaign group Animal Rebellion claimed six of its members ran on to the track ahead of the Epsom Derby.

On Thursday, members of the same group were arrested after they entered the ceremonial route on The Mall before Trooping the Colour.

The group said the protest was aimed at making “a definitive statement, and act, against the cruelty and harm the horseracing industry represents”.

It describes itself as a “mass movement using nonviolent civil disobedience to call for a just, sustainable plant-based food system”.

Sam Ryder hails “strength” of Queen

Eurovision star Sam Ryder has said the manner in which the Queen carries herself “reminds us that strength can be gentle” ahead of performing at the Platinum Party at the Palace.

Ryder, who came runner-up in the recent Eurovision song contest while representing the UK, is among the star-studded line-up who will entertain a live crowd of 22,000 people and a television audience of millions this evening.

Speaking backstage about the monarch’s 70 years on the throne, Ryder said he feels it is “so selfless to give your entire life to that service”.

He added: “How many of us could say that we could do that. It’s breathtaking. The way that she carries herself, it reminds us that strength can be gentle.

“I think that’s so important, to me all the time. To carry yourself in a way where you’re bringing so many people together in unity and solidarity but doing it with such a subtly kindness.”

The singer revealed that he got the call to do the Jubilee concert while on the bus home from Eurovision last month, which left him feeling like he was “overflowing with joy”.

Duchess of Cambridge visited children’s hospital in central London on Friday evening

The Duchess of Cambridge visited a children’s hospital in central London on Friday night to meet those who were not able to celebrate the Jubilee.

The Evelina Children’s Hospital wrote on Twitter: “We received a very special surprise last night! Our Patron, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, dropped in for a private visit to meet our patients, families and staff unable to join in the celebrations this weekend.”

A masked Kate was pictured next to the bed of a young child, who had tubes attached to their face.

Kate became a patron of the Evelina London in 2018.

It is part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and treats children with complex and rare conditions from birth into adulthood.

Crowd arriving before the start of the Platinum Party

Rod Stewart shares rehearsal video from Buckingham Palace ahead of Jubilee performance

Couple tell of excitement ahead of Platinum Party

There were large queues of people waiting to get into the Platinum Party. One couple there several hours ahead of the event was David Hitchins and his wife from Guildford, Surrey.

Mr Hitchins, a contractor, said: “I was gifted two tickets after I raised over £25,000 for the NHS.

“We’re so excited to be here and I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved.”

Also waiting was Shane, 32, originally from Austin, Texas, who has been living in London for nearly four-and-a-half years.

He said being here and living in London over the Queen’s Jubilee is a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience.

He said: “Being from America this is something totally different – we would never get this. It feels like a country-wide holiday and to have such a sense of community in such a big place, it’s just incredible to embrace this moment.”

William and Kate meet with public in Cardiff

Sam Ryder poses backstage ahead of Platinum Party performance