It was an evening of praise and merriment as a myriad of acts graced Windsor Castle on Sunday, May 15, to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-years on the throne.
As the 96-year-old Monarch was welcomed with a standing ovation upon arrival at the arena, Dame Helen Mirren offered the nation’s “most loving thanks” for her “unswerving” leadership thought her reign.
“For all these years you have carried our nation. You have been at its heart, its drumbeat. You have given us purpose and when situations have been challenging, your hope, guidance and leadership have been unswerving,” she said.
Addressing Her Majesty, the A-list actor said she spoke on behalf of “a grateful nation and commonwealth” to voice their “loyalty”, “appreciation”, and admiration for the way she has carried out affairs of the state “with such dexterity and poise”.
Mirren’s praise comes after her theatrical Jubilee performance as Queen Elizabeth I.
Taking to the stage, the Oscar-winning actress once again transformed herself into the royal Monarch, as viewers were taken through A Gallop through Time of the first Elizabethan era.
The 76-year-old actress looked regal and almost unrecognisable for the performance as she wore a dramatic gold gown, with pale make-up and a copper coloured, tightly permed wig.
For her sensational performance, Mirren reenacted Queen Elizabeth I’s historic speech to the troops at Tilbury where she declared: ” I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too.”
Her Majesty avidly watched the evening’s performances from her seat in the royal box.
Despite, cancelling numerous major Royal Jubilee engagements, the Queen appeared to be in high spirits on Sunday night- even being spotted applying a fresh coat of lipstick as she sat and watch the performances.
The Royal’s attendance at Sunday night’s festivities comes after her appearance at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, a welcome surprise after many royal watchers raised concerns over the growing state of Her Majesty’s health.
Other key celebrations of the Platinum Jubilee this June include a four-day bank holiday weekend, an extravagant carnival, and a Platinum Jubilee Pageant on the last day of celebrations.