Britain prepares for Jubilee celebrations

The streets are strewn with Union Jacks and party preparations are in full swing ahead of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee

After 60 years on the throne the Queen deserves a good party and it looks set to be an exciting day as rehearsals and preparations take place ahead of the Diamond Jubilee.

YOUR ULTIMATE DIAMOND JUBILEE GUIDE!

Roads in central London were closed off as rehearsals as members of the Household Cavalry Mounted Division rode along Whitehall to Buckingham Palace ahead of Tuesday's carriage procession.

As the captain and crew of more than 1,000 boats that will sail along the River Thames were briefed and soldiers rehearsed their three cheers for the Queen, Warrant Officer Paul Barker of the Royal Navy said everything was at the right stage.

'We don't want to peak to early but it's everything I expected them to achieve,' he said, adding that there would be a mixture of pride and nerves at the once in a lifetime event.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh will be joined by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry for Tuesday's event.

Meanwhile around 40 per cent of the population plans to mark the Diamond Jubileein some form over the four day bank holiday weekend.

Despite the financial strains of low wage growth and high inflation and the anticipated cooler, wetter weather the Jubilee provides the opportunity to take some time out.

'The Jubilee has the potential to create a feel good factor that lifts consumer confidence and persuades people to put their concerns to one side,' says British Retail Consortium economist Richard Lim.

So whether you're celebrating with a traditional British street party or in your back garden it's time to wave a Union Jack and sing a chorus or two of 'God Save the Queen.'

YOUR ULTIMATE DIAMOND JUBILEE GUIDE!

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