The Queen is hosting pop royalty at the evening concert just in front of her London residence as part of four days of nationwide celebrations for the Diamond Jubilee marking her 60th year on the throne.
Ten thousand ticket-holders watched the performances live on a circular stage to hear Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Jessie J entertain the 86-year-old monarch.
Ska band Madness joined the festivities by singing 1980s hit Our House from the roof of the 775-room palace.
Take That frontman Gary Barlow was brought in to organise the event and he later walked the Queen onto the stage, along with Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, after the music ended.
The Prince of Wales then paid tribute to his “Mummy” which made the crowd roar with laughter and made the Queen smile.
He also wished his father well, who is currently in hospital. Prince Philip, the Queen’s husband, was taken ill on Monday with a bladder infection. He will remain in hospital for observation for a few days.
“The only sad thing about this evening is that my father couldn’t be here with us. Because unfortunately he is taken unwell. But ladies and gentlemen if we shout loud enough he might just hear us in hospital,” said Prince Charles as the crowd cheered noisily.
After the prince led the crowd in a three cheers for the Queen, the monarch was invited to light the national jubilee beacon.
She did so with a crystal glass ‘diamond’, placing it into a pod, which sparked the ignition to light the giant beacon.
The jubilee concert ended with a firework display to a rousing chorus of Land of Hope and Glory.
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