LONDON -

Wherever you turn your face in the streets of the British capital, London, you will see the flags of the United Kingdom, with a violet flag in the center with the inscription "Platinum Jubilee", to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne in 1952.

The United Kingdom, with all its governmental and security agencies, was keen to make the celebration of this date a special and historical event, and it really deserves this commemoration. History has not recorded that a woman ruled her country for 7 consecutive decades, and only the French King Louis XIV surpassed the Queen in the length of her rule.

The United Kingdom, with all its governmental and security agencies, was keen to make the celebration a special and historic event (Al-Jazeera)

The streets of London and its residents did not skimp on creativity in expressing their love and celebration of their queen, who turned into a global icon. According to Forbes magazine, Elizabeth II is the most famous ruler in the world.

The eye of a wanderer in the streets of London will not miss the atmosphere of the lavish celebration, especially in its center, from Oxford Street to Regent Street, through Trafalgar Square, to the Queen's Palace, where giant flags are hung and pictures of the Queen are everywhere.

The atmosphere of extravagant celebration in the streets of London from Oxford Street to Regent Street, passing through Trafalgar Square (the island)

We need joy

Chris chose his clothes carefully to fit the day of celebrating the Queen's memory, from a hat and a flag in the heart of which is a picture of the Queen, and the purple color, which is the official color for this year's celebrations, and he hardly passes in front of a group in the street without shouting loudly "God protect the Queen", which is the ethereal slogan Which is repeated by the Royal Guard, and moved these days to invoke the public tongues.

Smiling, Chris tells Al Jazeera Net, "We needed an atmosphere of joy in general after the heavy Brexit years and then the years of the epidemic, which were years of sadness."

"All of these people lived in a state of sharp division after Brexit and the elections, and now they have found something that unites them and gives them joy, and that is why they came in such large numbers to celebrate," he adds, as he gestures to the crowds gathered near Buckingham Palace in London.

Giant flags and pictures of the Queen hanging everywhere (Al Jazeera)

Young people’s view of the royal institution and the queen in particular has always been different from that of the generation of parents and grandparents, especially those who lived through World War II, and for this you find them holding a critical view of the royal institution, but this did not prevent young people from attending a large number of the platinum jubilee celebrations.

“I come from Liverpool to visit London and watch the celebrations live,” says Lisa, a young woman in her thirties, before adding with enthusiasm, “These celebrations do not happen every year, and all of London has turned into an open festival, and a young woman like me cannot miss such an opportunity.” .

Lisa is a model for many young people who see the whole event as an opportunity to celebrate, celebrate and meet with friends, especially after the weather has been severe in waking days that are not disturbed by the rain that falls suddenly and without warning.

Queen Elizabeth II is the most famous ruler in the world after 7 decades on the throne of Britain (Al Jazeera)

The queen is tired

The best moment in the celebration that everyone had been waiting for was the Queen's appearance from the balcony of Buckingham Palace to greet the attendees, and watch the Air Force salute her and parade the Royal Guard.

Before the queen disappears from view and her place appears, a report issued by the palace says that the queen is tired and will miss the rest of the platinum jubilee celebrations, whether attending the mass at St. Paul's Church, or even attending her favorite horse race.

A report that was not surprising to many, as a lot of it was issued this year, after a noticeable deterioration in the health of the Queen, who is now leaning on a crutch to help her walk a few steps.

The Crown Prince, Prince Charles, is representing his mother in many official activities and celebrations, but the Queen's position is a categorical refusal to abdicate the throne, even if illness prevented her from carrying out many of her duties.

Celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee cost the country's treasury about $32 million (Al-Jazeera)

Celebrations of history

The issue of public spending on the British royal institution is one of the most controversial issues in the country, and that is why the biggest question was how much did the celebration of the Queen’s platinum jubilee cost the country’s treasury, and the answer was on the lips of Chancellor of the Exchequer Richie Sonalke, who revealed that these celebrations cost about 32 million dollars.

Not a small amount in light of the difficult conditions experienced by millions of Britons, high prices and high inflation.

However, the voices of opposition to these celebrations are very few, and this is due to two reasons, the first is the popularity enjoyed by the Queen, as according to all surveys she is the most loved figure among the British, by more than 95%.

The second and most important reason is that the Queen is considered the most prominent face of British soft power, and turns her name into a brand that attracts millions of tourists every year.

That is why the organizers were keen not to disturb these celebrations by establishing an official holiday for four days, all designated for all kinds of celebrations. The government also issued recommendations to local councils to allow people to celebrate and to overlook the delay in closing shops.

Thus, everyone benefits: the queen enjoys the celebration that befits her, commercial and tourist activity flourishes, and the citizen gets the holiday and moments of joy and celebration.