Friday 3 June 2022 03:07 PM Queen's Platinum Jubilee: Prince Harry and Meghan return to Frogmore Cottage trends now
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle returned to their Windsor home of Frogmore Cottage this afternoon, leaving the rest of the Royal Family to attend a reception without them following the Service of Thanksgiving for the Queen.
The Duke of Sussex was seen smiling next to his wife while being driven in a Range Rover with another car carrying security personnel behind, after what was the couple's first joint royal engagement in two years.
They had been at St Paul's Cathedral for the service, but were kept apart from Prince William, Kate, Prince Charles and Camilla after royal aides ensured they sat on the other side of the aisle - and they later left separately.
The Sussexes did not attend a reception straight after at the nearby Guildhall which featured a series of other Royal Family members and politicians including Prime Minster Boris Johnson and Home Secretary Priti Patel.
Buckingham Palace officials took great care in trying to avoid a repeat of the frosty scenes when the Sussexes and Cambridges sat near each other and left together at their last joint event in March 2020 at Westminster Abbey.
And aides would have been delighted that today's service in front of 2,000 special guests passed without any such incident or negative 'optics' given the attempts to ensure today was about the Queen and her 70-year reign.
Kate and William chatted to Prince Charles and Camilla inside the cathedral, but there was no sign of the same rapport with Harry and Meghan who sat in between Lady Sarah Chatto and Princess Eugenie's husband Jack Brooksbank, and were under strict instructions to keep a low profile during the event.
Harry and William have had a long-standing feud, while Harry has accused his father Charles of cutting him off financially and Meghan claimed an unnamed royal made a comment about Archie's skin tone before he was born – with the Sussexes having a war of words with the Palace following last year's bombshell Oprah Winfrey interview.
It was the first time Harry and Meghan, who now live in California, had been on full public view alongside the Windsors since they quit the monarchy for a new life in the US two years ago. Crowds cheered the pair as they arrived, with the couple smiling and waving, but both boos and cheers could be heard as they departed.
Today, Charles officially represented the absent 96-year-old monarch at the service in London which began at 11.30am. The Queen missed the historic event following a last-minute decision announced by Buckingham Palace at 7.30pm yesterday after she experienced 'discomfort' during Trooping The Colour events earlier in the day.
There was also no appearance at St Paul's by Prince Andrew after he tested positive for coronavirus earlier this week. The Queen watched the service from her residence of Windsor Castle, and it was broadcast on BBC One.
Harry and Megan walked down the aisle of St Paul's hand-in-hand after the service, joined by other members of the royal family and following Charles and Camilla and William and Kate - but did not appear with them outside.
The Sussexes turned to talk to Lady Sarah Chatto, who had been sat next to Meghan, and her husband Daniel Chatto. Senior clerics waited to bid the congregation goodbye and Meghan shared a joke with the Archbishop of York and touched Harry's arm as he joined the conversation. The trio then laughed before the Sussexes moved on.
Members of the crowd outside St Paul's sang the National Anthem while they waited for the Royal Family to leave at the end, before Charles and Camilla were the first to walk out as the bells began to toll at the end of the service.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge followed, with Kate waving cheerily to the crowds while chatting to her husband. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex left holding hands and were seen chatting to Zara Tindall and her husband Mike. Both Harry and Meghan shook hands with the Lord Mayor before getting into a car.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at St Paul's Cathedral (left) and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Guildhall (right)
Prince Harry smiles as he arrives back at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor after attending the service at St Paul's Cathedral today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wave as they depart after attending a lunch reception at London's Guildhall today
Harry sits next to his wife today while being driven in a Range Rover back to their Windsor residence of Frogmore Cottage
Harry and wife Meghan are driven in a Range Rover back to Frogmore Cottage in Windsor this afternoon
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (left) and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (right) outside St Paul's Cathedral today
Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex attend the Service of Thanksgiving for The Queen's reign at St Paul's Cathedral today
Prince Harry and Meghan arrive to attend a Service of Thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II this morning
Prince Charles and Camilla speak with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge after arriving at St Paul's Cathedral today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (left, circled) sit across the aisle from the Sussexes (right, circled) at St Paul's today
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave St Paul's Cathedral after the Service of Thanksgiving for the Platinum Jubilee today
Members of the Royal Family outside St Paul's Cathedral including Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and Zara Tindall today
Prince Charles and Camilla lead the royal departures from St Paul's Cathedral after the service this afternoon
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge leave after attending the Service of Thanksgiving held at St Paul's Cathedral today
The Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London which was not attended by the Queen today
Meghan Markle and Zara Tindall outside St Paul's Cathedral today after the Service of Thanksgiving for the Queen
Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall outside the Service of Thanksgiving for the reign of the Queen today
Peter Phillips, the Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Zara Tindall and Viscount Linley outside St Paul's Cathedral today
Prince Harry and Meghan arrive to attend a Service of Thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II this morning
The Duchess of Sussex smiles after leaving the Service of Thanksgiving held at St Paul's Cathedral today
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave after attending the Service of Thanksgiving held at St Paul's Cathedral today
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral today
Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank today
Prince Charles and Camilla arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Prince Harry and Princess Beatrice smile ahead of the Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate the Queen this morning
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex walk into St Paul's Cathedral in London for the service of thanksgiving this morning
(L-R) Daniel Chatto, Lady Sarah Chatto, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Peter Phillips and David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon depart the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral today
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive and are greeted at the Great West Door by the Dean of St Paul's this morning
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Theresa May, Philip May, Samantha Cameron, David Cameron, Sarah Brown, Gordon Brown, Tony Blair and Cherie Blair today
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral this morning
Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during the Service of Thanksgiving held at St Paul's Cathedral this morning
Prince Harry arrives at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning to celebrate his grandmother's Platinum Jubilee
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave behind Peter Phillips following the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's today
Peter Phillips and the Duchess of Sussex leave the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London this afternoon
The Duchess of Cambridge arrives for a reception hosted by the Lord Mayor of London at The Guildhall in London today
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank (left) and Prince Charles and Camilla (right) leave the Guildhall this afternoon
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Lady Sarah Chatto attending the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's today
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall arrived at the reception and were greeted by the former lord mayor Sir David Wootton and Colonel Simon Duckworth. They were then followed by William and Kate.
Other royals attending include the Earl and Countess of Wessex, and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and their husbands. The Wessexes arrived with their children Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and Viscount Severn.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid and former prime minister Theresa May were also among the attendees enjoying refreshments at the reception. Canapes at the Guildhall event include smoked Norfolk duck breast, smoked salmon and dill, beetroot shortbread and cocktail sausages.
There were a range of dishes from the buffet - among them coronation chicken with grapes and rice salad. A selection of drinks such as English sparkling wine and wines from Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, as well as some non-alcoholic beverages including a cranberry bellini were on offer.
Earlier, arrivals at St Paul's were hailed by the ringing of the bells, with the Queen's granddaughter Zara Tindall and her husband Mike among the first as they were greeted by the Bishop of London and the Archbishop of York.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex, and their two children Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn, then arrived along with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie along with their respective husbands Edoardo and Jack.
Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge arrive to attend a service of thanksgiving for the reign of the Queen today
Prince Michael of Kent and Princess Michael of Kent leave the service at St Paul's Cathedral in London this afternoon
Prince Harry looks up at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning as he celebrates his grandmother's Platinum Jubilee
(Seated front, left to right) Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, Princess Anne, the Duchess of Cambridge, the Duke of Cambridge, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, the Earl of Wessex, the Countess of Wessex, Lady Louise Windsor, James, Viscount Severn, the Duke of Gloucester, the Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra at St Paul's today
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
The Princess Royal, the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke of Cambridge take their seats in St Paul's Cathedral this morning
Members of the Royal Family arrive to attend the Service of Thanksgiving for The Queen's reign at St Paul's Cathedral today
(Left to right) James, Viscount Severn, the Earl of Wessex, Princess Royal, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Countess of Wessex and Lady Louise Windsor leave the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London this afternoon
Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston leave the Jubilee service at St Paul's Cathedral in London this afternoon
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall leave the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral today
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Lady Sarah Chatto attending the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's today
Harry and Meghan arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning to celebrate his grandmother's Platinum Jubilee
Prince Charles and Camilla lead the royal departures from St Paul's Cathedral after the service this afternoon
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive for a reception at The Guildhall in London this afternoon
(Left to right) The Duchess of Cambridge, the Duke of Cambridge, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Prince of Wales today
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London for the Platinum Jubilee event today
Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge arrive at St Paul's Cathedral for the National Service of Thanksgiving today
Meghan Markle places a hand on Prince Harry's back as they arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at St Paul's Cathedral for the Service of Thanksgiving for the Queen today
Harry and Meghan (centre) take their seats in St Paul's Cathedral for the National Service of Thanksgiving ceremony today
Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks with guests during a reception at the Guildhall in London this afternoon
Sir Tony Blair and his wife Cherie leave the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London this afternoon
Foreig Secretary Liz Truss adjusts her hat while talking to Home Secretary Priti Patel at St Paul's Cathedral, London, today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge line up in front of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall at St Pau's Cathedral this morning
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie Johnson leave the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral today
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and his wife Saadiya exit St Paul's Cathedral after the National Service of Thanksgiving today
Kate, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William leave St Paul's Cathedral after the National Service of Thanksgiving today
Lady Louise Windsor, daughter of Prince Edward & Sophie Wessex, and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence today
Harry and Meghan make their exit from St Paul's Cathedral after the National Service of Thanksgiving this afternoon
Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, attend the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral today
The departure of the congregation at the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London this afternoon
Princess Beatrice of York arrives for a service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Lord Frederick Windsor and Sophie Winkleman arrive at St Paul's Cathedral for the National Service of Thanksgiving today
Prince Harry, the Duchess of Sussex and Lady Sarah Chatto stand alongside each other at St Paul's Cathedral this morning
Prime Minister Boris Johnson address the crowd at the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral this morning
Prince Harry attends the National Service of Thanksgiving for The Queen's reign at St Paul's Cathedral in London today
That group were followed by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex who held hands and were smiling broadly as they were greeted at the Great West Door by the Dean of St Paul's and walked up the steps of the cathedral.
Harry and Meghan spent a few minutes talking to the senior cleric before they entered the place of worship and proceeded to greet the long line of clergy. Harry stopped to chat for a few moments with the Archbishop of York.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge then arrived to loud cheers and waved to the public as they walked up the steps to the cathedral. The Duchess was wearing a dress by Emilia Wickstead and a Philip Treacy hat.
Charles and Camilla were the last royals to arrive, stopping to speak with the clergy before making their way inside to their seats. Camilla wore an ivory and gold embroidered coat dress by Fiona Clare and hat by Philip Treacy. Kate and William, followed by Charles and Camilla, were then led in a procession to their seats in the front row.
Harry and Meghan had to squeeze past his cousins Beatrice and Eugenie, who were already seated, to get to their places. Harry was spotted, with his mouth open, appearing to be enjoying a joke with another royal seated across the aisle. Beatrice, sitting a few seats down, was also grinning in the same direction.
Political guests arrived ahead of the royals, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie, former prime minister Sir Tony Blair and his wife Cherie, Sir John Major and other ex-prime ministers Gordon Brown, Theresa May and David Cameron, and their spouses. Cabinet ministers Sajid Javid and Liz Truss were also there.
Zara Tindall and Sophie Winkleman arrive for the Lord Mayor's reception at The Guildhall in London this afternoon
Meghan and Harry leave the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London this afternoon
Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall make their way into the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral, London, today
Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice arrive at the Guildhall for a reception after the service at St Paul's Cathedral today
Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, leave St Paul's Cathedral after the National Service of Thanksgiving today
The Duchess of Cornwall arrives for a reception at Guildhall this afternoon after the National Service for Thanksgiving
Princess Anne gets out of her car at St Paul's Cathedral in London for the National Service of Thanksgiving this morning
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles arrive at the Guildhall after attending the National Service of Thanksgiving
Boris and Carrie Johnson, Liz Truss, Priti Patel and Ben Wallace sing hymns at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Prime Minister Boris Johnson arrives for a reception at the Guildhall this afternoon hosted by the Lord Mayor of London
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London today
Lady Louise Windsor and the Countess of Wessex arrive at a reception at The Guildhall in London this afternoon
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge leave after the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London today
Prince Charles and Camilla leave after the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London today
The Duchess of Gloucester arrives for a reception at The Guildhall in London today, hosted by the Lord Mayor of London
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave after the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London today
Soon after, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon arrived with her husband, and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. Members of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force lined up on either side of the Great West Door.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had seats in the second row of the congregation, with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and their husbands, and Lady Sarah Chatto, the daughter of Princess Margaret, and her family.
Harry and Meghan were seated behind the Earl and Countess of Wessex who are in the front row with their children, Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and Viscount Severn, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
Across the aisle, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, who have ornate chairs, had seats alongside them for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Princess Royal and her husband, Vice Admiral Tim Laurence.
During the service, there were smiles from the Earl and Countess of Wessex as the Archbishop of York referred to the Queen's love of horse racing, while the Princess Royal nodded her head in approval.
The Archbishop of York said the Queen was 'still in the saddle', as he thanked her for 'staying the course'.
In his sermon at St Paul's, The Most Rev Stephen Cottrell compared the monarch's well-known love of horse racing to her long reign, suggesting it 'reflects the distance of Aintree more than the sprints of Epsom'.
Mr Cottrell told the congregation, which included senior members of the Royal Family, he was 'sorry' the Queen could not attend, but glad there is 'still more to come'.
He said: 'It is well known that Her Majesty likes horse racing.
'I don't have any great tips for the Derby tomorrow, but since the scriptures describe life as a race set before us, let me observe that her long reign reflects the distance of Aintree more than the sprints of Epsom.
'Certainly, less dressage than most people imagine. But with endurance, through times of change and challenge, joy and sorrow, she continues to offer herself in the service of our country and the Commonwealth.
'Your Majesty, we're sorry you're not with us this morning in person, but you are still in the saddle. And we are all glad that there is still more to come.'
In his address, the Archbishop said the best leaders are those who 'know how to be led' and 'lead for others, not themselves'.
'People whose heart's desire is to serve the common good and build up the common life; who don't try to do it all themselves, or act in their own strength alone; people who take a longer view; and who seek out places of replenishing, even places where they might learn the mind of Christ,' he said.
'I say this today, knowing that in Her Majesty the Queen we see an example of this kind of service; a staunch constancy and a steadfast consistency; a faithfulness to God, an obedience to a vocation that is the bedrock of her life.'
Earlier, a member of the Royal Air Force in the military guard of honour lining the steps to St Paul's collapsed, but was able to get to his feet and was helped away.
Then, a second member of the military personnel also collapsed, but was also able to get to his feet and was helped away on foot, despite a stretcher being brought out.
The Queen is understood to have had episodic mobility issues yesterday – and, in a statement, Buckingham Palace revealed the Queen 'greatly enjoyed' her birthday parade and flypast but 'did experience some discomfort'.
Buckingham Palace said: 'Taking into account the journey and activity required to participate in tomorrow's National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral, Her Majesty, with great reluctance, has concluded that she will not attend.'
It is understood the decision ahead of the service, which begins at 11.30am today, was considered regrettable but sensible due to the length of the journey and time involved and the physical demands the service would require.
Senior members of the monarchy attending this morning also include the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who will be joined by the extended royal family.
Tributes will be paid to the Queen's '70 years of faithful and dedicated service' in front of 2,000 people including Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Cabinet ministers, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and former prime ministers.
Public service is the theme at the heart of the religious event, with 400 people who are recipients of honours, including NHS and key workers who were recognised for their work during the pandemic, invited.
The Archbishop of York, the Most Rev Stephen Cottrell, will deliver the sermon to the congregation after stepping in at the 11th hour after the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, contracted Covid-19.
Hundreds of people gathered outside St Paul's, some wearing Union flag hats and others hanging flags and bunting over the railings on the approach to the cathedral - and many guests had their photographs taken outside the Great West Door, where members of the Royal family are also due to enter the cathedral for the event.
The Duchess of Cambridge arrives a reception at The Guildhall, London, hosted by the Lord Mayor of London this afternoon
Prince Harry and Meghan arrive to attend a service of thanksgiving for the reign of the Queen at St Paul's Cathedral today
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan attend the Service of Thanksgiving for The Queen's reign at St Paul's Cathedral today
Princess Eugenie (left) and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (right) arrive at the service at St Paul's Cathedral this morning
Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks at the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral, London, this morning
Prince Harry and Meghan leave St Paul's Cathedral this afternoon after the National Service of Thanksgiving (left). Right: Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, arrives at a reception at Guildhall after the service
Princess Anne (left) and Princess Beatrice (right) arrive at the service at St Paul's Cathedral this morning
Princess Anne, the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William sing hymns at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince of Wales attend the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral this morning
Harry and Meghan arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning to celebrate his grandmother's Platinum Jubilee
The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles sit down at the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral today
Harry and Meghan arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning to celebrate his grandmother's Platinum Jubilee
Harry and Meghan arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning to celebrate his grandmother's Platinum Jubilee
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, greet guests at St Paul's Cathedral this morning
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank attend the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral this morning
The National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations
Harry and Meghan arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning to celebrate his grandmother's Platinum Jubilee
Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral today
Princess Eugenie, Jack Brooksbank and the Duke of Sussex smile during the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's today
Harry and Meghan arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning to celebrate his grandmother's Platinum Jubilee
Prince William and Kate arrive for a service of thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II at St Paul's Cathedral today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
A jubilant Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at St Paul's Cathedral for the National Service of Thanksgiving today
The Duchess of Cambridge arrives for the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
The Earl and Countess of Wessex arrive with their children Louise and James for the service at St Paul's Cathedral today
Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during the Service of Thanksgiving held at St Paul's Cathedral this morning
The Royal Family seated during the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London today
Yeomen of the Guard ahead of the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London today
Kate Middleton beams as she arrives to attend the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London today
Crowds build up at St Paul's Cathedral as guests arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving for the Platinum Jubilee today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, smiles as he arrives at the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral today
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan was cheered as he passed by the crowds already amassing outside, although the numbers appeared to be smaller than those seen at the Trooping the Colour festivities yesterday.
Meanwhile the Queen's hopes of winning on Epsom Derby day have ended after her only runner was pulled out of a race.
The head of state is a passionate horse owner and breeder and would have been looking forward to seeing her horse running on Saturday during her Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Just Fine had been entered to feature in the penultimate race, the World Pool Northern Dancer Handicap, staged over the full Derby course and distance of one mile and four furlongs. However, it was removed at Thursday's 48-hour declaration stage.
It comes after the Queen's hopes of winning the Derby were dashed earlier in May when her horse Reach For The Moon, who was among the favourites, and two others were withdrawn.
The Jockey Club announced the three thoroughbreds were among a large number who had been 'scratched' from the entry list.
Thoroughbreds owned by the Queen have won four out of the five flat racing classics - the 1,000 Guineas and 2,000 Guineas, the Oaks and the St Leger - with only the Derby eluding her.
The Queen is no longer planning to attend the sporting event during her Platinum Jubilee weekend according to reports, as the 96-year-old monarch is said to want to pace herself during her milestone celebrations.
But today's service at St Paul's was a first joint engagement with senior royals for Meghan and Harry since the frosty Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in March 2020 shortly before they officially stepped down as senior royals.
And while the couple are set to remain below radar in public, the Queen had lunch with them and other senior royals behind closed doors yesterday – and also met her great-granddaughter Lilibet for the first time.
The Sussexes introduced their little girl to the Queen - nicknamed Lilibet as a child - yesterday at Windsor after attending a private Royal Family lunch at Buckingham Palace following Trooping the Colour.
Harry and Meghan are expected to remain mostly low-profile over the four-day Jubilee weekend, with no sign of the Netflix cameras that followed them around at the Invictus Games in the Netherlands in April.
The Sussexes, who are staying at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor while visiting from California, were not allowed on the Buckingham Palace balcony yesterday and instead watched proceedings from Horse Guards Parade.
Meanwhile key workers, charity volunteers and members of the armed forces have been invited to the Queen's service of thanksgiving at St Paul's today in recognition of their contribution to public life.
More than 400 people, who have been making a difference either nationally or locally, are among the guests and many have been working tirelessly during the pandemic.
They will join members of the royal family at St Paul's Cathedral to celebrate the monarch's 70-year reign, although the Queen herself will not attend after experiencing 'some discomfort' during Thursday's events following previous mobility issues.
The Bishop of London said today that she is 'excited' ahead of the thanksgiving service. Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, who will be leading the blessing at St Paul's, told BBC Breakfast: 'I'm excited, I think.'
She added that she was nervous about the ceremonial regalia she needs to wear. 'It's a coat called the George V coat.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn, during the Service at St Paul's today
Zara Tindall, daughter of Princess Anne, and her husband Mike Tindall arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving ths morning
Prince Charles waves to the crowds outside St Paul's Cathedral in London as he attends his mother's Jubilee celebrations
Crowds build up at St Paul's Cathedral as guests arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving for the Platinum Jubilee today
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's today
Peter Phillips arrives for the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral today
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's today
Princess Anne arrives at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, makes his entrance at St Paul's Cathedral for the National Service of Thanksgiving today
Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall attend the Service of Thanksgiving held at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Princess Anne take her seat in St Paul's Cathedral, London, for the National Service of Thanksgiving this morning
The Queen's granddaughter Zara Tindall and her husband Mike Tindall attend the thanksgiving service at St Paul's today
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie Symonds attend the Service of Thanksgiving for The Queen's reign today
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank during the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Princess Michael of Kent arrives at the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
The Princess Royal, the Duchess of Cambridge, and the Duke of Cambridge during the Service of Thanksgiving today
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie Johnson look at each other next to Liz Truss and Priti Patel this morning
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie Johnson attend the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral today
Former British Prime Ministers Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and David Cameron at St Paul's Cathedral in London today
Crowds gather before a service of thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II at St Paul's Cathedral in London today
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (centre) and husband Peter Murrell (left) take their seats in St Paul's Cathedral today
Former prime minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral today
Ex-prime minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral today
Former prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving held at St Paul's Cathedral today
Prime Minister Boris Johnson ahead of the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
A Guard of Honour outside St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning ahead of the Service of Thanksgiving
Guests take their seats inside St Paul's Cathedral in London for the National Service of Thanksgiving this morning
A Guard of Honour outside St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning ahead of the Service of Thanksgiving
'It's quite an old coat, which is a cape and it sits on me, but of course it was designed for men because I'm the first woman who happens to be the Bishop of London,' she said. 'So, it doesn't sit quite as well on me, so I'm slightly nervous.'
She said that Her Majesty's Christian faith has 'always shaped her' and she feels privileged to play a part in the service and 'give thanks' to The Queen for her service to the country.
And the Dean of St Paul's said today's thanksgiving service represents the nation 'picking up the baton' from The Queen as a thank you for her years of service.
The Very Revd Dr David Ison told BBC Breakfast: 'I think, for me, what this service is about, is saying not only thank you, but also we are picking up the baton of what The Queen has done. We ourselves are committing to how we can make the world a better place.'
He said of the service: 'I always get nervous. You can't help it because you want it to go well and therefore you're nervous to make sure it does goes well and worried about what might go wrong.'
He also spoke about an incident during the Queen's Diamond Jubilee when his cape ripped.
'I put on my cape and I was bounding down the stairs of the vestry and I caught the cape on the door latch and ripped it and this is in the afternoon, before the service.
'So, they had an emergency embroiderer who came in early in the morning to stitch it back up again.'
Later, Dr David will say in The Bidding: 'We come together in this Cathedral Church today to offer to God our thanks and praise for the reign of Her Majesty the Queen and especially for her 70 years of faithful and dedicated service.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson climbs the stairs at St Paul's Cathedral ahead of the National Service of Thanksgiving today
Carrie Johnson arrives at St Paul's Cathedral in London for the Queen's National Service of Thanksgiving this morning
Theresa May and her husband Philip arrive at St Paul's Cathedral for the National Service of Thanksgiving this morning
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer attends the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Former prime minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha (left), and Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah (right) today
Sir Tony Blair and his wife Cherie take their place at the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral this morning
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Stephen Barclay arrives at St Paul's for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations today
Jacob Rees-Mogg (left) and speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle (right) chat in St Paul's Cathedral today
Sadiq Khan and his wife Saadiya Khan arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving for The Queen's reign at St Paul's today
Health Secretary Sajid Javid climbs the stairs outside St Paul's Cathedral ahead of the National Service of Thanksgiving today
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss makes her entrance at the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral this morning
Conservative party chairman Oliver Dowden (left) and Leader of the House of Lords Natalie Evans (right) arrive this morning
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace smiles outside St Paul's Cathedral ahead of the National Service of Thanksgiving this morning
Home Secretary Priti Patel arrives at the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey (left) and Lord Newby (right) arrive to attend the Service of Thanksgiving today
Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle arrives at St Paul's Cathedral in London for the Jubilee service today
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrel arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Police watch crowds of royal fans and well-wishers outside St Paul's Cathedral today for the National Service of Thanksgiving
Members of the public gather outside St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning ahead of the service of thanksgiving
Members of the Household Division march ahead of the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London today
A royal fan wearing glasses and a cap adorned in Union Jacks waits outside St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
'As we gather from communities across her realm and the Commonwealth of Nations, we rejoice in the diverse and varied lives of all those whom she serves, and in the beauty and abundance of the world in which we live.
Archbishop of York, the Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell
The Archbishop of York has said delivering the sermon at the service of thanksgiving to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee is a 'slightly terrifying gig'.
The Most Rev Stephen Cottrell has had to step in at the 11th hour after the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, contracted Covid 19.
Speaking before the service at St Paul's Cathedral, Archbishop Cottrell said he was trying to treat it as just 'another sermon'.
'Obviously that's my job, speaking about the Christian faith, preaching sermons,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Although this is a slightly terrifying gig I've been offered at short notice, from my knowledge of the Queen and when I've been with her before, indeed when I've preached in church when she's there, the one thing I'm very confident of is she wants to hear about the Christian faith which is what has motivated her and sustained her throughout her life, throughout her reign.
'So I am just treating it as another sermon. It is slightly terrifying but it is a great honour.'
Archbishop Cottrell expressed disappointment the Queen would not be present after experiencing some 'discomfort' following Thursday's celebrations but said he was confident she would be following proceedings.
'I am really sad she is not here because I want to say some personal things to her, thanksgiving for what she has given to our nation, but I am sure she will be watching on the telly,' he said.
Mr Cottrell said that throughout her reign, the Queen was someone whose life was shaped by her Christian faith. 'The Queen doesn't wear her faith on her sleeve, she wears it in her heart which is actually the best place to wear it. I see in the Queen somebody who lives out her faith each day, not necessarily talks about it all the time,' he said.
'I think what I have seen in the Queen is somebody who is so shaped by her Christian faith that, in small ways and large ways, she has simply tried to live that out. I think that has been a hugely impressive example right at
