Across the UK, the country is gearing up into party mood as the days tick down to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee.
She is already the longest-serving British monarch and a four-day holiday starting on Thursday, June 2 will honour her 70 years on the throne.
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A towering Tree Of Trees sculpture has been placed in front of Buckingham Palace.
The 21-metre platinum jubilee centrepiece features 350 British-grown trees was completed on Tuesday, with the final piece of trunk lifted into position in the afternoon.
The sculpture's British designer Thomas Heatherwick said: “The queen approved the plans. She gave a big thumbs-up."
Some of the main events involve much rehearsal to get everything right on the day, including for Trooping the Colour. Five spectators were hurt during a practice session when a stand collapsed.
Pilots taking part in the Buckingham Palace fly-past have taken to the skies to practise and guard against any mishaps on the big day.
Six historic sites scattered across England, including a London theatre, Birmingham church and a Yorkshire pavilion, have been granted protected status as part of the celebrations.
A huge gold coin — 22cm in diameter and weighing 15kg — has been produced by the Royal Mint, commissioned by a private collector.
When the queen meets the stars – in pictures
