The Diamond Jubilee RAF flypast over Trafalgar Square. Photo © Eugenie Absalom
Soaking rain did not dampen spirits of the Jubilee fans, who cheered the Royal Air Force Thanksgiving flypast in Trafalgar Square on Tuesday, 5 June 2012.
The fly over went ahead in spite of wet weather conditions and marked the climax of the Diamond Jubilee Weekend. It followed the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral and the Queen’s carriage procession through the streets of London.
Getting to Trafalgar Square was quite a challenge on Tuesday. Thousands of fans descended on central London for the final day of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. The square was blocked on every side when I first tried to get in. Eventually I made my way through the crowds with umbrellas and I found a suitable spot to watch the ceremony on the giant screen.
A cute pug, wearing Union Jack scarf and chewing a souvenir flag of its owner caught my eye. I couldn’t resist taking out my camera in spite of the rain.
Pug dressed appropriately for the occasion. Photo © Eugenie Absalom
Suddenly a deafening roaring of engines sent waves of excitement through the crowds. All heads turned towards the cloudy skies.
The Dakota flanked by two King Air aircraft ahead of the nine Red Arrows were flying over Trafalgar Square. Red Arrows were leaving a spectacular multi coloured trace behind them. The formation headed towards the Mall as the Royal Family were watching the flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
18 aircraft flew over the palace. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Red Arrows saluted The Queen on the celebration of her Diamond Jubilee at 3.30 pm. The Land of Hope and Glory and God Save the Queen in Trafalgar Square echoed a singing tribute to monarch by thousands of fans down the Mall.
Thanksgiving RAF flypast over Trafalgar Square. Photo © Eugenie Absalom
The Land of Hope and Glory and God Save the Queen in Trafalgar Square echoed a singing tribute to monarch by thousands of fans down the Mall.
The Queen could be seen on the giant screen smiling and saluting the Royal Air Force flyover. A soft mint coat dress of silk tulle with an elegant drape and a matching hat, designed by Angela Kelly, Swarovski crystals, pearls and snow white gloves added a fresh touch to the image of Her Majesty. Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh was missing at the celebrations after being taken to the King Edward VII Hospital from Windsor Castle.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry stood next to the Queen on both sides on the balcony of Buckingham Palace and waved to the crowds as they watched the RAF flypast.
The Duchess of Cambridge looked an epitome of style in a delicate blush overlay lace dress by Alexander McQueen with a matching Nude Beaded Cocktail Hat and subtle veil over her eyes by Jane Taylor.
The Duchess of Cornwall added glamour to the event with a graphic coat by Bruce Oldfield and extravagant Philip Treacy hat.
The Diamond Jubilee Thanksgiving RAF flypast . Photo © Eugenie Absalom
A celebratory cascade of rifle fire ‘feu de joie’ brought the historic moment to finale with a bang.
Singing in the rain and taking photos of the RAF flypast will certainly stay with me for years to come.
The Diamond Jubilee Thanksgiving Flypast in the Diamond Jubilee Time Capsule.
News and photos by Eugenie Absalom
Photo Copyright © Eugenie Absalom
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