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Queen Elizabeth lights first jubilee beacon, sending light around the world

Lighting of torch marked end of first day of monarch's platinum jubilee celebrations

Soraya Ebrahimi
Soraya Ebrahimi

June 02, 2022

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Queen Elizabeth II has lit the first of her platinum jubilee beacons, heralding the start of celebrations throughout the Commonwealth.

Touching an illuminated globe, she sent a river of light from her Windsor Castle home to Buckingham Palace, where the Duke of Cambridge watched as the Tree of Trees sculpture was bathed in light.

The symbolic moment on Thursday came at the end of the first day of celebrations marking the monarch's 70th year on the throne.

After acknowledging the salute of the servicemen and women who took part in Trooping the Colour, she returned to Buckingham Palace’s balcony and received the admiration of the crowds surrounded by her family as they watched the fly-past over London.

During the event, she experienced a recurrence of her “episodic mobility issues” and the palace announced her decision to cancel her appearance at the thanksgiving service for her 70-year reign, which will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday.

Before the lighting ceremony, the queen walked from Windsor Castle’s Sovereign’s Entrance into the Quadrangle, greeted by the more than 100 people who live and work in the royal residence.

Peter McGowran, chief yeoman warder from the Tower of London, then carefully placed the Commonwealth of Nations Globe on a stand that glowed purple.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II prepares to touch the Commonwealth Nations Globe to start the lighting of the principal beacon outside of Buckingham Palace in London, from the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London, as part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations on June 2, 2022 in Windsor, England. Getty
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II prepares to touch the Commonwealth Nations Globe to start the lighting of the principal beacon outside of Buckingham Palace in London, from the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London, as part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations on June 2, 2022 in Windsor, England. Getty
The Commonwealth of Nations' Globe which was touched by Queen Elizabeth II to symbolically lead the lighting of the principal jubilee beacon at Windsor Castle, Windsor, England, Thursday June 2, 2022, on day one of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. AP
The Commonwealth of Nations' Globe which was touched by Queen Elizabeth II to symbolically lead the lighting of the principal jubilee beacon at Windsor Castle, Windsor, England, Thursday June 2, 2022, on day one of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. AP
Britain's Queen Elizabeth leads the lighting of the principal jubilee beacon, as part of platinum jubilee celebrations, at Windsor Castle, Britain June 2, 2022. Reuters
Britain's Queen Elizabeth leads the lighting of the principal jubilee beacon, as part of platinum jubilee celebrations, at Windsor Castle, Britain June 2, 2022. Reuters
Fireworks over Windsor Castle after Queen Elizabeth II symbolically leads the lighting of the principal jubilee beacon, as part of a chain of more than 3,500 flaming tributes to her 70-year-reign, on day one of the platinum jubilee celebrations. Reuters
Fireworks over Windsor Castle after Queen Elizabeth II symbolically leads the lighting of the principal jubilee beacon, as part of a chain of more than 3,500 flaming tributes to her 70-year-reign, on day one of the platinum jubilee celebrations. Reuters
Fireworks explode above Windsor Castle during the lighting of the principal platinum jubilee beacon ceremony during the Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations in Windsor, Britain, June 2, 2022. Reuters
Fireworks explode above Windsor Castle during the lighting of the principal platinum jubilee beacon ceremony during the Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations in Windsor, Britain, June 2, 2022. Reuters
Fireworks explode above Windsor Castle during the lighting of the principal platinum jubilee beacon ceremony during the Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations in Windsor, Britain, June 2, 2022. Reuters
Fireworks explode above Windsor Castle during the lighting of the principal platinum jubilee beacon ceremony during the Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations in Windsor, Britain, June 2, 2022. Reuters
Fireworks explode above Windsor Castle during the lighting of the principal platinum jubilee beacon ceremony during the Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations in Windsor, Britain, June 2, 2022. Reuters
Fireworks explode above Windsor Castle during the lighting of the principal platinum jubilee beacon ceremony during the Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations in Windsor, Britain, June 2, 2022. Reuters
Fireworks explode above Windsor Castle during the lighting of the principal platinum jubilee beacon ceremony during the Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations in Windsor, Britain, June 2, 2022. Reuters
Fireworks explode above Windsor Castle during the lighting of the principal platinum jubilee beacon ceremony during the Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations in Windsor, Britain, June 2, 2022. Reuters
General view of the 'Tree Of Trees' created by Designer Thomas Heatherwick at the principal beacon at Buckingham Palace, London, on day one of the platinum jubilee celebrations. PA
General view of the 'Tree Of Trees' created by Designer Thomas Heatherwick at the principal beacon at Buckingham Palace, London, on day one of the platinum jubilee celebrations. PA
Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (L), and Nicholas Bacon, Chair of the Queen's Green Canopy, attend a special ceremony for the lighting of the principal beacon at Buckingham Palace in London on June 2, 2022, as part of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. AFP
Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (L), and Nicholas Bacon, Chair of the Queen's Green Canopy, attend a special ceremony for the lighting of the principal beacon at Buckingham Palace in London on June 2, 2022, as part of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. AFP
US singer Gregory Porter performs at a special ceremony for the lighting of the principal beacon at Buckingham Palace in London on June 2, 2022, as part of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. AFP
US singer Gregory Porter performs at a special ceremony for the lighting of the principal beacon at Buckingham Palace in London on June 2, 2022, as part of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. AFP
Britain's Prince William meets with singer Gregory Porter during the lighting of the principal beacon, as part of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations, at Buckingham Palace, in London, Britain June 2, 2022. Reuters
Britain's Prince William meets with singer Gregory Porter during the lighting of the principal beacon, as part of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations, at Buckingham Palace, in London, Britain June 2, 2022. Reuters
Projections are seen displayed on the front of the Buckingham Palace during the lighting of the principal jubilee beacon, as part of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations, in London, Britain June 2, 2022. Reuters
Projections are seen displayed on the front of the Buckingham Palace during the lighting of the principal jubilee beacon, as part of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations, in London, Britain June 2, 2022. Reuters
Fireworks burst over Buckingham Palace in London Monday 3 June 2002, after Britain's Queen Elizabeth II lit a beacon to commemorate her platinum jubilee. AFP
Fireworks burst over Buckingham Palace in London Monday 3 June 2002, after Britain's Queen Elizabeth II lit a beacon to commemorate her platinum jubilee. AFP
A platinum jubilee beacon is lit at Coutts bank in central London, Thursday June 2, 2022, on day one of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum Jubilee celebrations. PA
A platinum jubilee beacon is lit at Coutts bank in central London, Thursday June 2, 2022, on day one of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum Jubilee celebrations. PA
People view a virtual beacon onscreen during Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations at Picadilly Circus in London, Britain June 2, 2022. Reuters
People view a virtual beacon onscreen during Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations at Picadilly Circus in London, Britain June 2, 2022. Reuters
A general view of the beacon before it's lit, during celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee beacon lighting, in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland June 2, 2022. Reuters
A general view of the beacon before it's lit, during celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee beacon lighting, in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland June 2, 2022. Reuters
A platinum jubilee beacon is lit after a service of thanksgiving, at St. Macartin's Cathedral Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, on day one of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. Reuters
A platinum jubilee beacon is lit after a service of thanksgiving, at St. Macartin's Cathedral Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, on day one of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. Reuters
Fireworks explode overhead during the Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee beacon lighting ceremony at Cawfield Quarry on Hadrian’s Wall on June 02, 2022 in Haltwhistle, England. Getty
Fireworks explode overhead during the Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee beacon lighting ceremony at Cawfield Quarry on Hadrian’s Wall on June 02, 2022 in Haltwhistle, England. Getty
Bugler Captain Jonathan Miller from Durham Army Cadet Force salutes during Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee beacon lighting ceremony at Cawfield Quarry on Hadrian’s Wall on June 02, 2022 in Haltwhistle, England. Getty
Bugler Captain Jonathan Miller from Durham Army Cadet Force salutes during Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee beacon lighting ceremony at Cawfield Quarry on Hadrian’s Wall on June 02, 2022 in Haltwhistle, England. Getty
A Roman archer waits to fire flaming arrows into a floating beacon on the lake during Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee beacon lighting ceremony at Cawfield Quarry on Hadrian’s Wall on June 02, 2022 in Haltwhistle, England. Getty
A Roman archer waits to fire flaming arrows into a floating beacon on the lake during Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee beacon lighting ceremony at Cawfield Quarry on Hadrian’s Wall on June 02, 2022 in Haltwhistle, England. Getty
A platinum jubilee beacon is lit in Cardiff Bay, on day one of Queen Elizabth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. PA
A platinum jubilee beacon is lit in Cardiff Bay, on day one of Queen Elizabth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. PA
A platinum jubilee beacon is lit by Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and Commander of Edinburgh Garrison Lieutenant Colonel Lorne Campbell at Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, Thursday June 2, 2022, on day one of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. PA
A platinum jubilee beacon is lit by Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and Commander of Edinburgh Garrison Lieutenant Colonel Lorne Campbell at Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, Thursday June 2, 2022, on day one of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. PA
A platinum jubilee beacon on Blyth beach, north east England, Thursday June 2, 2022, on day one of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. PA
A platinum jubilee beacon on Blyth beach, north east England, Thursday June 2, 2022, on day one of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. PA
Platinum jubilee beacons are lit outside the Royal Liver Building, Liverpool, England, Thursday June 2, 2022, on day one of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. PA
Platinum jubilee beacons are lit outside the Royal Liver Building, Liverpool, England, Thursday June 2, 2022, on day one of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. PA
Platinum jubilee beacons are lit outside the Royal Liver Building, Liverpool, on day one of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. PA
Platinum jubilee beacons are lit outside the Royal Liver Building, Liverpool, on day one of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. PA
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lights the beacon for Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations in Canberra, Australia, Thursday, June 2, 2022. AP
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lights the beacon for Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations in Canberra, Australia, Thursday, June 2, 2022. AP

The Commonwealth of Nations Globe has been kept at the tower for safety and other yeoman warders were in attendance.

After the queen touched the symbol of the world, which sat on a cushion, the purple stand turned white and a river of purple lights spread across the quadrangle before also turning white.

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Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers

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Favourite books: Start with Why by Simon Sinek and Good to be Great by Jim Collins

Favourite dish: Grilled fish

Inspiration: Sheikh Zayed's visionary leadership taught me to embrace new challenges.

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

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Favourite place to go to in the UAE: The desert sand dunes, just after some rain

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Maratha Arabians 138-2

C Lynn 91*, A Lyth 20, B Laughlin 1-15

Team Abu Dhabi 114-3

L Wright 40*, L Malinga 0-13, M McClenaghan 1-17

Maratha Arabians won by 24 runs

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FFP EXPLAINED

What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.

What the rules dictate? 
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The End of Loneliness
Benedict Wells
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Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019

Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO

Based: Amman, Jordan

Sector: Education Technology

Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed

Stage: early-stage startup 

Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.

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Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.

Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.

Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.

For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae

 

Updated: June 03, 2022, 7:38 AM`
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