INTERNATIONAL: Queen Elizabeth led the lighting of the Principal Platinum Jubilee Beacon from her Windsor Castle home on Thursday night 2nd June as the first day of celebrations to mark her Platinum Jubilee came to a close. The ceremony saw a carpet of lights pass from Windsor to Buckingham Palace to light up a tree making up the beacon's centerpiece

British newspapers reporting on Queen Elizabeth's record-breaking 70 years on the British throne went to the press in Broxbourne, north of London, on Thursday night (June 2).

Britain kicked off four days of pomp, parties and parades to celebrate the Queen's record-breaking 70 years on the British throne.

A beaming Queen Elizabeth waved to cheering crowds massed outside Buckingham Palace. Tens of thousands of royal supporters waving flags lined the streets of London for a military parade at the start of the four-day Platinum Jubilee. Millions of people across Britain and the world were expected to watch the festivities, join street parties and light beacons in honour of the 96-year-old queen.

Prince Charles, the queen's eldest son and heir to the throne, led a military parade on Thursday 2nd June to mark Queen Elizabeth's 70 years on the throne.

Joining the Horse Guard military parade were William, Prince Charles' eldest son, and Charles' sister Princes Anne.

The military parade in central London is held annually to mark the queen's official birthday, with 1,500 soldiers marching to military music in ceremonial uniforms of scarlet tunics and bearskin hats.

Royal Air Force flypast painted the skies over London's Buckingham Palace in red, white and blue.

Royal fans gathered in St James’ park in central London on Thursday 2nd June to watch the “Trooping the Colour” military parade and British royal family on big screens.

People were seen waving and wearing Union Jack flags to mark the “historic” celebration for the Queen’s record-breaking 70 years on the British throne. The pomp, parties and parades will last over four days.

"Well I thought it was historic really, we've come out with all the grandchildren and we're all excited to, you know, it's 70 years she's been on the throne and she's done so much for the country and it's just incredible,” said 62-year-old Jubilee spectator Carol Wearon.

Millions of people across Britain and the world are expected to join street parties, watch the festivities and light beacons in honour of the 96-year-old queen.

53 other nations joined in celebrating common heritage. Celebrating a life of service, fidelity, integrity and humanity. As they lit the beacon and gave thanks for Her Majesty's long reign and send her other very warmest congratulations on this magnificent milestone."