PRINCE Charles helped kick the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee off in spectacular fashion today to mark her incredible 70 years on the throne.
Rapturous applause erupted as thousands of royal fans swamped the Union Jack-lined Mall for Trooping the Colour.
A whopping 1,200 officers and soldiers from the Household Division are taking part in the Birthday Parade this morning.
The incredible display marks the first event of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee bumper weekend.
Mounted troops from the 1st Battalion and Irish Guards joined hundreds of musicians and 240 horses on Horse Guards Parade.
Prince Charles is inspecting the soldier’s on the Queen’s behalf but she will appearing on the Buckingham Palace balcony later for the RAF flypast.
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It comes as the UK exploded in a sea of red, white and blue as the nation unites to celebrate Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.
Eager Brits flocked to central London overnight in an extraordinary display of patriotism.
They have pitched tents and camped in a bid to secure the best seats for the biggest royal party of all time.
But there was some drama as yobs wearing crowns lay down in front of the Household Division as they marched on the Mall.
They were quickly yanked away by the police as the march continued.
Fans are also hoping to catch a glimpse of the royals, who will appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony alongside the Queen later today.
Prince Andrew, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be noticeably absent from the display after Her Majesty limited the line-up to working royals only.
Harry and Meghan have been given prime seats to watch the landmark event though after they arrived from the US on Saturday.
It is not clear if they will be joined by children Archie, three, and Lilibet, one, who have travelled with their parents.
The party will be joined by Beatrice and Eugenie and Zara Tindall at the Major General’s Office overlooking Horseguards Parade.
But there is no place for disgraced Prince Andrew.
ROYAL KNEES UP
Revellers will enjoy street parties up and down the country as the sun shines the Union Jack bunting for the glorious four-day weekend.
Brits are expected to sink around 100millions pints in a major boost to the fledgling hospitality sector.
Pubs and clubs are also open to 1am as the nation raises a toast to Her Majesty.
The Queen herself called on the nation to create “happy memories” in a message shared in today’s official Platinum Jubilee programme.
She said: “Thank you to everyone who has been involved in convening communities, families, neighbours and friends to mark my Platinum Jubilee, in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth.
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“I know that many happy memories will be created at these festive occasions.
“I continue to be inspired by the goodwill shown to me, and hope that the coming days will provide an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved during the last seventy years, as we look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm.”
