An all-star line up is due to perform at London’s Royal Albert Hall in honor of the UK’s longest serving monarch. It was only yesterday that her eldest son was approved as successor to the throne.Prime Minister Theresa May was due to lead tributes to the head of the royal family, praising her “service, dedication and constancy.”
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A concert was due to be held in her honor at London’s Royal Albert Hall featuring singers Tom Jones, Kylie Minogue, Craig David, Sting and Shaggy, and South African band Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The extravaganza is a break from tradition for the Queen, who normally celebrates in private.
She was due to be honored with a 41-gun royal salute by soldiers from the Royal Horse Artillery, along with a parade past Buckingham Palace and a second artillery 62-gun salute at the Tower of London.
Elizabeth has ruled Britain and the Commonwealth for more than 65 years, after taking power at the age of 25. She is longest reigning monarch in the UK, surpassing Queen Victoria’s six-decade reign in 2015. Her power is largely ceremonial, allowing the government to pass legislation and run the country.
She is due to be succeeded by Prince Charles after he was approved by a meeting of heads of Commonwealth governments on Friday. Elizabeth still carries out official engagements, but has become increasingly withdrawn from public life.
The loose alliance was born out the British Empire in the mid-20th century.
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aw/jlw (dpa, AFP, Reuters)
