The Diamond Jubilee: Armed Forces Tribute The Queen's Diamond Jubilee

Good morning and welcome to Windsor Castle. This is the Queen's

childhood home, where she spent happy times with her parents, and

it is still the place she calls home and where she spends many of

her weekends. This morning promises to be special. Her Majesty has

invited the armed forces here for a very personal Diamond Jubilee

tribute. In a short while, 3000 soldiers, sailors and airmen will

parade up the Long Walk, through this historic quadrangle at the

very heart of the castle and past the Queen, their Colonel-in-Chief.

They will then march through the streets of Windsor, passing the

statue of Queen Victoria, the only other monarch ever to celebrate a

Diamond Jubilee. 20,000 people are expected to line the streets, cheer

the troops on their way and show their support for the armed forces

and the Queen. Finally, they will gather here in the castle grounds,

just a short march from the castle itself, where their family and

friends will be waiting for them. Here, the Queen will address her

troops and the celebration will end with a memorable fly-past of 78

historic and current aircraft. There is a lot happening, and we

will be here, meeting some of the bravest men and women in our armed

forces and watching every minute of It's going to be a great morning.

The band is playing already. Joining me now to help us enjoy

this great occasion are Kate Williams, historian and author, who

has written biographies of Queen Victoria and the Queen. And Patrick

Hennessey, a former Grenadier Guards officer who fought in Iraq

and Afghanistan, and also has spent time on ceremonial duty outside

Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, and so has a unique insight

into today. So this is not unfamiliar to you? Not entirely,

but nothing as special as this for the Diamond Jubilee. There will be

guardsmen out there who have done Trooping The Colour and the

birthday Parade, but they will still have a special frisson about

something like this, because it is such a rare thing. The moves today

have not been done since Queen Victoria. There will be a

nervousness this morning about getting final bits of kit ready.

For some soldiers, it is their first chance to parade in front of

her Majesty. So there is a lot at stake if it is their first time.

There is a huge amount at stake. The cameras are here and there has

been a lot of rehearsal time going into something like this. You feel

very involved, because you know of the interest taken by the Royal

Family. And the sun has come out. My boss says God is a Grenadier.

The Windsors are very much a wealth -- the Windsors are very much a

military family. Yes, the Queen's husband, children and grandchildren

are all involved. Queen Elizabeth II, if she could have been in the

forces, she would have been. The forces are so important to have.

She takes her a role as head of the armed forces crucially. It is

important to her that they go to war for her. Queen Victoria enjoyed

something similar in 1897 for her Diamond Jubilee. We have

illustrations over here from the Illustrated London News. We have

some fabulous pictures from June 1897. Queen Victoria was, by her

Diamond Jubilee, not in a fit state like our Queen. She was exhausted

and tired, but the only fun thing she did was seeing the master. She

was delighted by seeing all the soldiers from all over the empire

coming to her. She sat in Windsor Castle and watched it all, although

unfortunately, it was raining. It was to pin it down in these

pictures. It was a marvellous day. It was the peak of her reign. By

this point, she ruled a quarter of the world's population. Fortunately,

it is not raining on us today. We would like to hear from you at home.

If you have relatives here on parade and you would like to

contact them, you can e-mail us at [email protected]. We

have talked about Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. She will be

right there in Windsor Castle, getting ready. If she looks out of

her window, as Queen Victoria did 150 years ago, she will see her

troops gathering to parade along the Long Walk. And Dan Snow is with

them. The sun is coming out here. If the

Queen is looking out, what she will see is a massive crowd. They have

come from all over the country. The furthest I have a found so far is

Newcastle, a good effort. They have come to watch this military parade.

We expect 3000 men and women from the armed forces, about half of

them from the army. But members from the army and air force are

coming as well. There will be musicians from a rollover the Royal

forces. We know it is a special day for her Majesty, because a couple

of weeks ago, she addressed the joint Houses of Parliament and said

that while many things had changed in her reign, one thing that hasn't

is the valour of those who have prepared to put their lives at risk

to protect our freedom. There are many here today who epitomise that.

I have one with me now, Gary Prout. I am a Bombardier now. I have been

promoted. Congratulations. Three years ago, you were in Helmand and

you came under intense fire. Your colleague was hit, and you ran

forward in full view of the enemy and got him back to safety. Your

citation reads that you risk your life on three occasions, and is a

miracle that you were not killed. You were given a Conspicuous

Gallantry Cross. What does that mean? I am from a big military

family, so I knew the significance of the award. It is remarkable that

I got it. It is just a shame about the circumstances. We lost corporal

Chris Huggett on that day. But you were struck by the way you were

given that award. It was quite a surprise when you went to the

Palace? Yes. And her Majesty the Queen was briefed so well on the

actions I took part in. She knew a lot of detail about it. And she was

able to talk about it with me. you had time to speak to the

sovereign? Yes. We have a thing where we marched in front of the

Queen and she pins the award on your chest. She knew a lot about

the warden. It was remarkable. is it like being in the parade

today? Is it going to be fun? getting a bit hot. It is not the

best weather to be stood in the Square, but hopefully, I will stay

on my feet. And you are from a very military family, like so many

families here and the Windsors themselves. Did your great-

grandfather served in World War I? Yes, he was awarded a Military

Medal. My father accidentally met my mother on patrol in Northern

Ireland. We are the fourth military generation. My brother was serving

at the minute and my cousin is in Afghanistan. We look forward to

what your kids produce. Like Gary, many of those we will

see today have served tours of duty in Afghanistan. And her Majesty's

armed forces have served all over the world during the 60 years of

her reign - Korea, Malaya, or Malaysia as it is now called, Iraq,

Northern Ireland, the Falklands - just some of the places where her

armed forces have fought and some have died. While some people's

fighting days may be over, they will be here in a ceremonial

capacity, still proudly serving the Queen.

The Queen's bodyguards and Royal companies represent hundreds of

years of devoted service to the sovereign. Being a member of the

Yeomen of the Guard is the best job in the world. Sergeant Major Clive

Stevens is a Yeoman of the Guard at St James's Palace. I am a third

generation Coldstream Guardsman. My grandfather served in the First

World War at the Somme. My second - - my father served in the Second

World War and then I joined in 1965 and served until 1992. A Malcolm

Smart is a Chelsea pensioner at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea in south-

west London. I have been proud to serve her Majesty for 35 years.

Major Richard Moore is a military night at Windsor Castle. He first

paraded in front of the Queen at her coronation in 1953. He marched

the 17 miles. That was a long way in front of the Queen, and of

course it was raining. As we swung into Trafalgar Square, it was an

incredible experience, particularly when my mother shouted at me from

the top of my player House in Trafalgar Square. They called out

my name, and it was very embarrassing, as one's parents

always are. The feeling when you parade in front of the sovereign is

Electric, because you are in front of somebody would never normally

see. It transforms people. You get the buzz coming up from the room as

she walks in. There is a wave of excitement from the audience.

Majesty's a stickler for a well turned out uniform. As the Sergeant

Major, part of my role is to look after and maintain the uniforms

when we are on parade. If there is something wrong, I am sure her

Majesty would pick it up when we are near her. When you are on

parade, you stand up straight. But when the Queen is there, you stand

up straighter. I look forward to this, and so do my colleagues. She

is the finest States person in the world. We have nothing but respect

for her. The British public respond because they love to see the colour,

the pageantry. And they like do, they just like to enjoy themselves.

The British enjoy it because we are good at it.

And there they are, taking their place in the quadrangle. 129 men

from her Majesty's Body Guards and Royal companies. You can see the

Gentlemen-at-Arms on the left. Between them, her Majesty's Body

Guards and Royal companies have some 4000 years of service to the

Queen. The Royal Company of Archers, her Majesty's bodyguard in Scotland.

Originally an archery club founded in the 17th century. And the

Military Knights of Windsor, proud in their uniforms. They live here

in the castle. They are perhaps one of the oldest orders here,

established back in the Middle Ages by Edward III. And the Chelsea

pensioners just be on them, proud in their uniforms. Not officially

part of her Majesty's bodyguard, but invited here to enjoy her

And the Yeoman Warders, who guard the Tower of London. Known for

their ceremony of the keys, that takes part every night to lock up

the tower. There is even a ceremonial jailer.

I have got front row seats he has the Powerade comes in, heading

towards the quadrangle. We have the officers of the Royal Navy coming

past, and the Royal Marines band service is here, looking

magnificent in the sun. What is so impressive about this is that the

services are very busy. They have only had yesterday to prepare,

because they were getting on with their day job. For the sailors of

HMS York, who are here with the Royal Navy, that meant being out at

sea on manoeuvres off the south coast. We hitched a ride on the

ship's helicopter and caught up with two members of the group

HMS York is a type 42 destroyer. She is a fast lady, 30 knots, 5500

tons, over 140 metres in length. We are a very small village at sea in

our grey box. She is a venerable lady of some 28 years, and has seen

service all around the world. the Gulf today, HMS York was

heading north in the direction of Bahrain as the military presence

here starts to increase and the Iraqis effectively threaten all

foreigners living in Kuwait that their lives could be at risk if

there is any interference from their governments. Her primary role

is for air defence. We carry the seed dards missile system, which

goes out to about 40 miles. We carry a medium range gun, and with

that we are able to force - that support our forces are sure. We are

able to look after ourselves, but we can also take the fight to the

enemy. Regardless of our roles, humanitarian assistance or policing,

the primary aim is to be ready to fight. Our primary role is fighting,

but a large part nowadays is very much humanitarian effort. With

Libya, a lot of it was humanitarian. We were there to evacuate 43 people

when we went into Benghazi. And we delivered medical supplies. It is a

natural human instinct if you know that somebody is in trouble, and

you have the ability to help, you would help. I have never done

ceremonial events before. It is The army are coming behind us. Well

come, Martin, what is it like to be here now this is the day? If to is

a great privilege to be here and represent my ship and the Royal

Navy. You are a weapons engineer, so this is not your natural

environment? We are made of of difference specialisations. So we

all march on the date. Are you nervous marching past the Queen

today? You ask, but I am looking forward to it, it is a proud moment

to be part of this. You off from a service family, but a lot are from

the army? The s, some of my great uncles were in the army in the

second world war specifically. My uncle was the first to join the

Royal Navy and he used to sending postcards when I was younger, and I

think that is what turned it for me. I will let you get back there to

show that the Navy are as good as I am in the arena with one of the

families. Brian, you were a submariner, and your son is a

submariner. You must be proud? are extremely proud. Is this

something you encouraged? really, he went through university

with the army, and then he decided to join the Navy. He is serving on

the same submarine that it you did? He is on her HMS tireless. I was on

it 20 years ago. I suspect things have changed a bit? The work is

similar, but they do more time out at sea. What did you think about

Daniel's choice as a submariner? did not see it coming. I am very

proud of him, I hope he is as good in the Navy as his dad was in the

army. We are very proud of him. To come to an occasion like this is

very special to submariners wives because we do not see that part

very often. It is a great ceremony. It is a very nice thing to do today,

to be part of four Stock if your brother does not break that often,

he must be nervous, have you been teasing him? Not really coming he

is used to performing in front of people, but I know he will be

amazing. Hopefully he will keep in step. I know you will be watching.

I shall be. Of course, the Queen will be watching, and her role as

head it off the on forces is a constitutional one but the link is

deeply personal. The 70 years, the Queen has

maintained a special relationship The man who advises the Queen on

military matters is Air Vice- Marshal, David Murray. The House of

Windsor understands the military, they are in their blood. The

matriarch intimately involved with the military and the military are

intimately involved with the Queen. The Queen's father saw battle who

fought with the Royal Navy at the Battle of Jutland. Elizabeth took

on a military role at just 16, when her father made her Colonel of the

Grenadier Guards, and she expect -- inspected them here at Windsor

Castle. Princess Elizabeth makes her first military inspection.

wanted real, hands-on experience, so in 1945 she joined the are

ancillary territorial services and chained as a mechanic. -- trained.

I am sure the head of the on forces see their role as something that is

ritualistic, box-ticking, something they have to do. Her approach is

different, she is wanting to be involved, wanting to know what is

going on. She has a deep and abiding interest in what her armed

forces of up to. What there family's concerns are because she

is interested. One of the reasons the Queen has been interested is

because her family has close links with the forces. Prince Philip was

a naval officer. Prince Andrew was in the Falklands. Have you had any

contact with the Queen recently? Yes, I happen to be passing through

Hague to two and got on the telephone and asked if I could get

in touch with the Palace. She said if I saw anybody here and I was to

pass on have burst and say how proud she is of everybody. Like any

mother, she was relieved when he came home safely. Her grandson's

Prince William and Prince Harry, are both still serving. Many of you

will deploy on operations within months or even weeks. I wish you

all every success in your chosen career. My congratulations, my

prayers and my Trust to go with you When we joined the armed forces,

one of the first things we do this were an oath of allegiance to the

country and to the Queen, to the sovereign. We are swearing it is

something that is ensuring, something that is constant and that

is her Majesty. We take it very seriously. The Queen represents two

as a whole series of values, constancy, loyalty and sacrifice.

We know she understands what we go through and she is there for us

what ever happens. We can see the troops parading along the Long Walk,

led by the Navy. The army and the air force will be bringing up the

rear. They will be making their way towards the quadrangle. The Navy is

at the head of the parade. We can see all of the troops getting ready

to march past the Queen. We heard how strong the bond is between the

Queen and her armed forces, is that something you had a sense of?

Absolutely. My first public duty was on a very hot day. There are

two guard posts. Completely exposed to the sun. The junior Guardsman go

up and asked other for two hours. A phone-call came to the headquarters

and said, her Majesty herself as seen this and has taken a direct

interest, have they got water, is someone keeping an eye on them? She

was in residence, she saw the Guardsman and his concerned about

them. You're conscious of that. saw the kernel of the Grenadier

Guards, she was just 16 but she wanted to be more than a

figurehead? Yes, we saw her on her 16th birthday, she was looking at

the troops in 1942. At the time, she was a princess and was

desperate to take a greater role, be part of the great struggle. Her

father was dubious and wanted to keep her away from this. But she

took this so seriously. We are really ready and we are moments

from what promises to be the best of military pageantry and ceremony.

It is over two Eddie Butler, who will guide us through the parade.

What began as a grey, misty morning is glorious. Her Majesty The Queen

makes entrance into the quadrangle at Windsor Castle. There are four

outdoor theatres as part of this tribute. This is the second of the

theatres, the quadrangle. Below the Royal Standard. The first theatre

is the march up the long walk by the 3,000 servicemen and women. The

bodyguards on either side of her Majesty. They are also in front of

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Stand at ease. Stand easy. The fly past will be made by nine

typhoon aircraft and their The typhoons based at RAF Conisbee

in Lincolnshire and in Fife in Scotland. The Diamond nine is in

honour of the Queen's diamond The guard of honour comprises all

three services. The Duke of Edinburgh, of course a naval man,

looking on as the RAF holds up proceedings. The Duke of Edinburgh,

when he first met the Queen in 1939 was a cadet. He was in the Navy at

Dartmouth. On his 90th birthday he became Lord High Admiral. So that

is going from the bottom to the top The band in the foreground is the

band of her Majesty's Royal Marines, based in Portsmouth. The Royal band.

This is the view from the 4th outdoor theatre. This is from below

the castle. And the 3,000 personnel will go into the quadrangle and

they will march down through Windsor into the arena. And here

they are. The nine typhoons in diamond formation. Well worth the

wait. They won't be around for very The lead pilot his wing commander,

Paul Godfrey. It has taken them 20 minutes to get here in Windsor from

Royal Navy and Army! Garrison Sergeant Major Bill Mott. Quick

march! Just to underline the connection between the ceremonial

and active service, Sergeant Major Bill Mott, 30 years ago, was a

Welsh Guardsman on board the Galahad, waiting to land during the

Falklands conflict. The march into the quadrangle begins. The Navy

first, all in order of age. The Senior Service, then the army, then

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Illustrious, just returned from in Chief with eyes right. After HMS

Illustrious, HMS York. CPO Rowe from Dan's film is there. And HMS

Lancaster. Up strikes life on the ocean wave. In the second

detachment of the Navy, we will goes past the Queen. -- the third

detachment from the navy goes past naval march past, the maritime

reserves and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, manned by civilians,

owned by the Ministry of Defence. Very active in the Falklands

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conflict. Here comes the army. Bombardier Gary Prout, who was

awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry the Band of the Welsh Guards and

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the Band of the Irish Guards. Back distinctive light blue beret, as

worn by Prince Harry. You can hear the distinctive sound of the pipes

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Michael Hay, from the Army School of Music and drumming. Major John

Sumner is the most senior pipe Major in the army. The parade is

just over half a mile long. So as the parade here continues in front

of the Queen, we can see that the Navy has already done its tour of

the quadrangle and is now going down the hill, having left the

castle. It will go clockwise around the castle and down to the arena. A

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down into town, the RAF comes into three services, but it is the

oldest independent air force in the world, former on the first April,

everything going before her. We have already heard that she has an

eye for the smartness of the uniform. The music from the RAF is

from the Central Band. Director of music, Flight Lieutenant Richard

Murray. And again, it is a dualled job for the musicians. They have

these ceremonial duties, but they also act as force protection,

guarding installations and supporting helicopter and air

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the quadrangle, the guard of honour will make its exit. And her Majesty

and the Duke of Edinburgh will take theirs, but it is not the end of

their story of the day. They will follow the parade down the hill to

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Lieutenant Colonel Nick Grace is there, principal director of music.

He will direct the Guard of Honour band. When he gets down to the

arena, he will lead the try service massed bands. In the arena, what

will happen is what is known as the Drumhead Service, based on an

impromptu service on the field of battle. The first officer of the

Navy. And then the RAF again. The Queen's Colour Squadron, 63

quadrangle. Down in town the parade is heading downhill towards the

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Majesty before she sets off after entrance at Windsor Castle. Those

who will walk all the way, here the streets of Winder through the

castle grounds, let's join how long Skelton with local children

painting the day. We will capture today's events in a

more traditional sense. We have pastel colours, pencils and

paintbrushes. Leon, talk us through your painting. I have got the Queen

and Prince Philip. Here is the Queen and here is Prince Philip.

have had a bit of difficulty with the gate? It's a was causing all

kinds of problems. But this flag is very impressive. You have done this

because it is behind his. You have told me you have left a bit of room

at the front of your picture, who is that for? The Queen, Prince

Philip and all of the forces. you enjoying the parade so far?

You are excited at one person, who is that? The Queen. She will be

just meat is a way, how excited by you? The very excited.

headteacher, you are from a force's family? My father was in the RAF.

This will be fall of reminiscing, particularly with the fly past four

stab the families of people in the services it all just be hoping they

are safe for where ever they are. At a very proud and emotional day,

it your dad is watching at home? has, he is 82, he will be watching

with my mum. He will be watched and looking who will be marching

properly, he always said the RAF March properly. You get back to

colouring, I'll keep an eye out for the Queen, and I will be able to

introduce you to the Windsor schoolgirl who has created a

excited to see the troops. They have been there since 7:00am,

getting the best spot and get the Excitement is mounting in the arena.

Family and friends waiting for the parade, hoping to spot her husband,

son or daughter. Patrick, I imagine it would have been a sense of

relief to get the parade started? You are nervous before, but you

will have practised and then suddenly you are into it. We saw

the big crowds lining the streets, it makes a massive difference. If

you have family, you try to look at the corner of your life will stop

you forget the hours of rehearsing and you do enjoy it will stop the

music has been tremendous. If you hear a tune as you like, it is

quite fun once it starts. The hours spent rehearsing, but they only got

together yesterday? This is what is so special and distinctive about

having this parade. It is all very well the guards who rehearse

readily and the Colour Squadron who do it regularly, but they have

brought this together. I have never seen anything like this. The people

seen anything like this. The people who served longer than I did well

not have seen anything as big as this. The families are part of the

modern Armed forces? We heard the children, they were talking and the

teacher who had a father in the RAF. More people have a connection to

the forces. It can be quite anonymous. A day like today is a

chance to put everyone on parade. They all have their medals on, and

there is a connection between the soldiers to go away for six months,

they don't see their family. A day like today can be a proud

demonstration and they will be pleased with that. Dan Snow is in

the arena with a Julie Benton and Your husband will be marching

shortly, tell us about his career? He has been in the army the 22

years. Before that he was a cadet, 13 years, Surrey... You knew what

you signed up for when you married him? Very much so, he has been to

Afghanistan, they rack, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Croatia and many

other places. -- Iraq. Have you seen your dad at home much? He has

been there quite a lot, but he goes away a lot quite as well. What do

you do to stay in touch when he is awake? Sometimes we get phone calls,

but mostly it is through letters. Do you send him parcels? Yes, a lot.

It is a bit naughty but I do put confetti in his boots, his socks

and his quashing kits. I am sure in Basra Palace at there are a few red

love hearts floating about. But you have to do that. He is going back

to Afghanistan? Yes, March and April next year, but that may be

his last tour. You just get yourself ready and sorted for it

and prepared. He is going with my son-in-law as well and my son who

is in the Princess of Wales Regiment came back last month from

his store of Afghanistan. It has been very hectic. Do you fancy

serving, eventually? No, I don't. have a five-year-old who is a

daddy's girl and I think she would love to his. But she might change

her mind when she is older. Enjoy today. We will be watching out for

him. Patrick, we are hearing about the pressure on the family's when

they loved one is away for many months at a time, the difficulties

of keeping in contact? It is something that it is overlooked. It

hit me after I left the Army. My regiments are back in Afghanistan

and you realise how difficult it is being at home, waiting for a letter

or phone calls. I remember when my father, who was in the Navy and he

was a way for nine months. This is me waiting for him coming back with

a smile on my face. A day like today it is as good for the

families as it is for the personnel. Let's talk about the ceremony, how

unusual is it to get the services together in this way? It is

distinctive on the scale. We have seen tries service participation in

the birthday Parade every year, but it is not on the scale. It is an

ice reflection, both on her Majesty's reflection but also a

very strong demonstration on how we operate. If you think back to Libya,

would the Royal Navy operating off the coast, but their support being

provided by the RAF. The army, everything we do these days is

integrated. Even in some were like Afghanistan, you have the Royal

Marines representing an at. We have had a fly past today command as a

soldier who has been out there, there is nothing more reassuring to

know you have a fast jet from the RAF overhead. He might think the

services have always operated in that way Choir --?. To some extent.

But when you think like D-Day, the largest amphibious operation. But

Afghanistan is a complex counter insurgency. Everybody has to work

together. So some they might today, the first time the army is marching

behind the Navy, they won't have done that. I only did that twice in

my career. I was on HMS Illustrious going into Malta, and we put a few

noses out of junk because the red uniforms took away from the black

ones. The parade has entered the Here they come, proudly marching

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into the arena. Led by the Royal leading the way. The band is coming

in behind. This is the moment the families had been waiting for.

Patrick, they only rehearsed yesterday, but we have all of the

services together, it must be a very proud moment? When you come on

to Buckingham Palace, on to the Horseguards, it has been a very

long march. And they will be a king. This is where you get the final

burst and hear the beat of the drum. That is the final moment they have

been building towards. They will be quite excited. This is getting

under way and marching? If you all march together, that is how you

deal with the fatigue. It is easy to forget, the men and women we are

seeing so proud, many of them have recently been on active duty?

we saw pictures at the quadrangle of the guards marching past. And

the Welsh Guards Rea party is here, and they are the real party because

the others are in Afghanistan. In 2006, I flew back from Iraq to do

some ceremonial duties. But a lot of these will have just come back

or just about to go on operations so you are seeing both sides of the

armed forces. To troops, and the band. The troops marched past the

Queen, and Kate, let's talk about the Queen as head of the armed

forces. How did she define the role for herself? It has been a very

important roles. She is head of the armed forces, she was the first

honorary colonel as a woman. She was such a young girl when she came

to the throne. Many people thought women were not hardly allowed any

roles in the Second World War, they have to push to get anything more

than clerical duties. She has made her role as head of the troops...

And Elizabeth the first set, I have the heart of a man. Yes, she said

she had the feeble body of a woman but the heart of a man. It is the

first time since Elizabeth the first we have had a woman as head

of the armed forces, so not an obvious role for a woman in that

day and age? Victoria was so crucially involved with the army.

At Queen Elizabeth, so involved with the military and so important

to her. When she was in the second world war in Windsor Castle, being

kept safe, guarded by the Grenadier Guards. Many of them became her

friends and they used to have dances together. She has been very

close ever since. When the Second World War ended she rushed out into

the streets in her 80 s uniform and enjoyed themselves. -- in her 80 s

a uniform. We are seeing the world Guards. The Grenadier Guards will

be coming up and it will be a chance for you to see your former

soldiers? It will be a lot of familiar faces. It is the vehicle

to pick them out underneath their hats. One parade my parents came to,

they spent most of it looking at the wrong person. It is nice to see

some familiar faces. Guys who recently had been away, or who are

expertly, but there must be a lot involved? It is one of those things

where practice makes perfect. We spoke about Queen Victoria and the

interest she took. Once, she thought the drill was not up to the

required standard and ordered that we should have 100 years of

practice to make perfect. This is the rest of the army now. I can't

quite see who that is on the screen. And a great round of applause from

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as they make their way into the make their way into the arena and

take centre stage for what is such a special occasion, all three

services coming together to celebrate 60 years off Queen

Elizabeth for her special Diamond Jubilee tribute. They are taking

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their places in those wonderfully fit nearly 2000 -- 2500 troops into

the arena. More are making their way in. Let's not forget the bans.

And is the RAF. Huge cheer for the Their Flying Machines. Very

appropriate. The Director of Music, Flight Lieutenant Richard Murray.

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No doubt that this was his choice are making their way into the spot

left for them here in the arena, in front of a sort of mock-up of

great pageantry, the castle, which itself takes centre stage, if you

like. A fortress built some 1000 years ago, the oldest and largest

occupied castle in the world. The troops are gathering here in the

shadow of that Castle. And the Band of her Majesty's Royal Marines are

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leading the guard of honour into of the Coldstream Guards. Followed

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by the Queen's palace squadron of in exactly the right position. The

Man U saw was giving the orders, Major Guy Locke. So important to

get their position exactly right. It is all about precision today.

Quite an achievement to get nearly 3000 men and women in exactly the

As the troops get in position, we asked you to send e-mails in if you

have friends or family parading here, and some of you have sent

them in. Let me read a few. I would like to say hello to Tom, aged 20,

from his mum and family from Cornwall. Tom lost his dad three

days ago at the age of 44. You would make him very proud if he was

here today. Love you, mum. Police say well done to my daddy, Neil

Robinson, from his friends, Sophie and Tiny, from Northern Ireland.

Thank you so much, love from Leah Robinson, aged six. Another message

from Helen in Poole. Best of luck to all the Royal Marine commandos

marching today. The best of the best, the most elite men, proud to

honour our Queen today and set aside their today for our tomorrow.

My thanks to all, especially Bonny. Here is one for Charlie Slade. It

says Mark Palmer, Alexander, is in the naval forces, currently on

promotion and soon to be at HMS Yeovilton. I am proud of him. He

has served in Afghanistan and loves his career. His family and myself

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are so proud of him. Just some of Majesty's Royal Marines, or some of

them at least, constructing what is known as a drumhead alter. This is

an impromptu altar, used in the field of battle. Patrick, when you

have been in the field and Drumhead doctors have been constructed?

we were talking about the historic origins earlier, and it is not

clear. But out in the field, you did not necessarily have a

consecrated church. And whatever your faith, there were moments when

a service of some sort was needed. Sadly, it might be if you had lost

a man in your platoon or in your battalion. Recently, it would be

operating bases in Afghanistan. You would want someone to conduct a

service. Even though you can't really pause and you are out on the

job, it is an opportunity to say goodbye. It is something that sadly,

many will be familiar with these days. But it is a nice ceremony.

Rather poignant, in front of the trips, many of whom will be

familiar with this. Yes, and the laying down of the colours, that is

an important thing for whatever unit but those are the colours of.

They are linked to the sovereign as well. That gives it even more

As we look at the troops and their families now in the arena, Every

face could tell its own story of courage, sacrifice and commitment.

Many actions of great bravery are reflected in the medals won so

proudly this morning. The highest award for bravery in the face of

the enemy is the Victoria Cross, introduced by Queen Victoria in

1856 during the Crimean War. And so rarely is it awarded that there are

only three living holders of the Victoria Cross in the country. One

of them is Bill Speakman, awarded his VC for extreme gallantry while

fighting in the Korean War. Let me tell you about him. For four hours,

he led repeated grenade attacks against hundreds of Chinese

soldiers who were attacking his position. Despite being severely

wounded, he kept the enemy at bay, allowing his comrades to escape to

safety. He was the first man to put presented with a Victoria Cross by

the Queen in February 1952, just three weeks after she came to the

throne. Before he went to Buckingham Palace, it was home to

Cheshire, where he received a Arriving 24 hours late from Korea.

When I got into the UK, I was dumbfounded, seeing all these

cambers. Neighbours helped to get his home ready. The Lord Mayor came

to pick me up and we rode back in a car. When we got near Aldringham,

and I said what is all this? He said, people just want to welcome

new home. It is good to be home, thanks a lot.

From Altrincham, to the Queen at Buckingham Palace. We are lucky we

can get a bit closer than most people to the Queen. Especially

when they speak to you personally. What a wonderful thing it is.

and is such a high, been so The Queen's car waiting. She is now

in the Bentley. It will be leaving the historic quadrangle at the

heart of Windsor Castle. Making her The Queen is leaving the quadrangle.

Any moment now, she will be coming through the sovereign's entrance

and making her way down through the town of Windsor. The sentry

presenting arms as the sovereign passes. The police officer saluting.

A lot of police officers on duty today, a very high security

operations. The Queen passing operations. The Queen passing

through the sovereign's entrance. What you are seeing now is Castle

Hill. More crowds with their banners, Union Jacks. They have

been waiting to see the Queen, and this is their moment. Of course,

the Duke of Edinburgh sitting next to her. On the right, the curtain

wall of Windsor Castle and that is worse some of the military have

their homes and apartments. -- that is where. The Queen just coming out

of the promoter of Windsor Castle through the gate. Just the way her

troops have come, she is following their journey.

Some of the children have been waving their flags, they have been

painting the day it as we saw, and getting a wave from the Queen. Much

excitement in the town of Windsor today. Lots of anticipation, the

streets have been cleaned, people taking their spot to get the best

view from early this morning. The mounted police in the background.

20,000 people it is estimated, lining the streets of Windsor today

on this very special, unique occasion on the Queen's diamond

jubilee. Just a start of the celebrations we will see a leading

up to the bank holiday weekend. Making her way down past the castle.

Lots of waving from the Duke and ember -- Duke of Edinburgh and the

Now I welcome two remarkable man, Lance Corporal Matt Crouch a former

Royal Marines who was awarded the George Cross for extreme bravery.

Johnson, how were you awarded your Victoria Cross? You were driving an

armoured vehicle and it was ambushed and engulfed by a rocket-

propelled grenades. With your colleagues or wounded, all

communication lost. You forced open the entrance - -- Hatch. Andy drove

through the fire to get your colleagues to safety, even though

you were seriously injured yourself. It is an amazing story. When you

had found now you have the war, what did you think? I was told by

my commanding officer I was going to be awarded the Victoria Cross. I

asked, is it a good thing, because I did not know what it was. Only

three living people have it, you are one. Is it that surprising?

is an honour to be wearing the Victoria Cross and to receive it.

It is a life-changing experience. I'm very proud and I feel so much

emotion being part of this great, historical journey. It is even

better for me. You say you were it with pride, did people talk to you

about it? When I was doing the news, I remember when you were awarded

your Victoria Cross, there was so much publicity and excitement?

Nothing has changed since. When people see me wearing it, this

morning somebody came up to me and said, they get goose bumps just

walking alongside Nick. It is an amazing feeling to get that

feedback. Matthew, you were on patrol in Afghanistan when you hit

a trip wire and heard the pin a cheque from a grenade. You had a

split second, the rest of your patrol was with you. Amazingly, you

chose in that split second to throw yourself on the grenade? The work

for macro of us in the compound, and we walked into a trip wire and

we knew the only option was to shield the guys behind me. You say

it was the only option, it was the only options for you? I can only

wonder what went through your mind, that instinctive decision you made

to potentially sacrifice yourself for your comrade? Yes, it is only

one other problems efface on a day- to-day basis in Afghanistan. My

action got recognised for what it was. Johnson will agree, we are the

only people to look at in the grand scheme of things, we have been

lucky enough to be recognised. But thousands of people are doing what

we're doing on a day-to-day, monthly and yearly basis. You are

both being very modest. Because of what you did men survived, who

would have died. Possibly. In that split-second when you decided you

would shield them from the force of the grenade, with your own body,

was anything going through your mind? Was it Instinct? I can live

in it too, when you have done something bad when you are young

and you know your parents will be coming after you, the gut-wrenching

feeling. Similar, but older and a different area. Extraordinary

actions. The Queen is about to arrive, and you both met her when

she presented you with your medals. I gather she takes you aside for a

private conversation? She stands and chats what she is presenting

the medal. Asks after our injuries. Mine were very minor, but Johnson's

one more so. Then she asks how we are and how our families are. She

shows a lot of compassion. Johnson, did you feel she knew about it,

took in interest? Yesterday I was saying to someone, it is amazing

the Queen and know so much about me and my family. I could have a

proper conversation with her. Queen is about to arrive. The very

best of military pageantry is about to start. Gentlemen it has been an

honour to meet you. But now to Eddie Butler will take us through

of honour, but they soon will be. They are the only arms on show here.

Soon, her Majesty will arrive. The drumhead altar is prepared. The

It was constructed by the musicians from the band, one based on, a

tenor drum on top of each other. The warrant officer, James Whitlam

has directed it and here comes the trumpeters of the household Cavalry.

Drawn from the bands of two units that make up the household Cavalry,

the lifeguards and the Blues and Royals. The Queen is escorted to

her seat by the Chief of the General Staff. General Chief of the

Defence Staff, General Sir David of each service or be draped over

acknowledge with gratitude, the 60 years of faithful service to this

nation of our sovereign, lady, Queen Elizabeth. With respect and

affection, we give thanks for the example she has set her people. And

we prayed that supported by the love and loyalty of her subjects,

she may be given health and strength to continue her service.

And long to reign over us. Reverend Scott Brown, Chaplain of

# Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice.

# Him serve with fear, his praise forth tell.

# Come ye before him, and rejoice. # O enter then his gates with

praise. # Approach with joy his courts unto.

# Praise, laud, and bless his name always.

# For it is seemly so to do. # For why? The Lord our God is good.

# His mercy is for ever sure. # His truth at all times firmly

stood. # And shall from age to age endure.

Matthew. Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with

her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favour of him. He said

to her, what do you want? She said to him, declare that these two sons

of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your

kingdom. But Jesus answered, you do not know what you are asking. Are

you able to drink at the cat that I am about to bring? This are to him,

we are able. He said to them, you will indeed drink my cup, but to

sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it

is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father. When the ten

heard this, they were angry with the two brothers. But Jesus called

them to him and said, you know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it

over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be

so among you. But whoever wishes to be greater money you must be your

servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave,

just as the Son of man came not to be served, but to serve, and to

give his life a ransom for many. Let us pray, as we say together.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come;thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as

we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever.

Amen. God of time and eternity, whose Son

reigns as servant, not master; We give you thanks and praise that

you have blessed this Nation, the Realms and Territories with

Elizabeth, our beloved and glorious Queen.

In this year of Jubilee, grant her your gifts of love and joy and

peace as she continues in faithful obedience to you, her Lord and God,

and in devoted service to her lands and peoples, and those of the

Commonwealth, now and all the days of her life;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. At this time of Jubilee,

Thanksgiving may also be a time of dedication. Let us say together:

Lord of our lives and Father of all, grant that our thanksgiving may

prove itself in service to you and to our Queen, to our country and to

one another, for your Name's sake. # Whose arm hath bound the restless

wave. # Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep.

# Its own appointed limits keep. # O hear us when we cry to thee.

# For those in peril on the sea. # O Christ, the Universal Lord.

# Who suffered death by nails and sword.

# From all assault of deadly foe. # Sustain thy soldiers where they

# And evermore hold in thy hand. # All those in peril on the land.

# O Holy Spirit, Lord of grace. # Who fills with strength the human

race; # Inspire mankind to know the right.

# Guide all who dare the eagle's flight.

# And underneath thy wings of care. # Guard all from peril in the air.

# O Trinity of love and power! # Our brethren shield in danger's

hour. # From rock and tempest, fire and

foe. # Protect them wheresoe'er they go.

# Thus evermore shall rise to Thee. # Praise from the air, the land and

sea. God grant had been living grace, to

the departed rest, to the church, the Queen, the Commonwealth and all

mankind, peace and Concorde, and to us sinners eternal life and the

blessing of God Almighty, the father, the Sun and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

General Sir David Richards, chief of the Defence Staff, moves from

the Royal Pavilion to the drumhead stage, which has now been

deconstructed. The colours have been recovered. And the chief of

the Defence Staff will address her Majesty on behalf of the three

as our sovereign is a time of celebration for all your subjects,

but perhaps even more so for those privileged to serve in your Royal

Navy, Army and Royal Air Force. It is with great pride that I stand

here as the professional head of your armed forces to represent all

those at your command. Your commitment to our nation is an

example to us all. For six decades, your devotion to duty, sense of

honour and pride in our country have set the standards to which

your armed forces constantly aspire. Your deep interest and commitment

to the armed forces has inspired servicemen and women and their

families over the years. Many have had the honour to meet you at unit

and family occasions when you have supported the ships, regiments and

squadrons with which you have such strong ties. I know I speak for all

service families when I say how much your personal dedication means

to us all. Family-based support service men and women throughout

their lives at home and even more on operations. They are sometimes

overlooked, but never by you. Your own family have added to the

support you bring. Many ships, regiments and their stations have

close connections with members of the Royal Family, and I have the

honour to have two of your grandchildren serving with me today.

They, like all the men and women I have the privilege to lead, are

serving their nation and the people of the United Kingdom with the

honour and distinction. Their example draws attention to those

with whom they serve and reminds others of the unity of our nation.

Your own service predates your rain. Both you and the Duke of Edinburgh

served in the Second World War with courage and distinction. Throughout

your rain, your family has borne more than its share of the worry

and danger that are an inherent part of duty as the United Kingdom

plays her part in the world. The Prince of Wales' service in the

Royal Navy is fondly recalled by those who served with him. The Duke

of York's actions in the Falklands were recently echoed by the Duke of

Cambridge serving their in a different capacity in the Royal Air

Force. And Prince Harry's operational tour in Afghanistan in

the army was a huge credit to him and his success in flying training

means it is likely he will serve operationally again. For these

reasons and so many more, the bond between us, you're on forces, and

the Royal Family is deep and strong. So, your Majesty, it is with great

pride that I stand before you today. I was born at the start of this new

Elizabethan age, and have seen so much that has blossomed under your

rain. I know I speak for all those who have the privilege to wear your

uniform and hold your commission when I thanked you feel a

dedication to our service and to our country. And now, your Majesty,

some measures of congratulation from your forces overseas. From all

the serving on board here in the Middle East, we offer our best

wishes and congratulations to her Majesty on the occasion of her

Diamond Jubilee. A hi. I am from HMS Durham. Hello. On behalf of the

entire ship's company of a genus Derren, we would like to send our

best wishes to her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh as

they celebrated their diamond jubilee. All on 902 Expeditionary

Air Wing offer you their heartiest congratulations and thanks for your

60 glorious years of service to your kingdom and your subjects.

Your Majesty, from all members of your armed forces serving in

Afghanistan, we present you are our best wishes on this remarkable

occasion, your Diamond Jubilee, and we wish you many more happy and

glorious years. Three cheers for her Majesty the Queen. He hip,

hooray! Hip hip, hooray! Hit hip, much appreciate your kind words. It

is a tradition of very long standing that the sovereign and

members of the Royal Family are intimately associated with the

armed forces and have been proud to serve in all three services. In

addition, we have special connections with particular

commands of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. And also stations of

the Royal Air Force. We greatly value these connections, as it

means we meet the wider family of wives and husbands of the currently

serving men and women of the armed service and sacrifice is made by

servicemen and women and their families in recent years. It is

very gratifying to celebrate and take pride in successful

achievements. But the real test of character is the ability to

maintain morale and a positive spirit in bad times, as well as

when things are going well. It is a great pleasure to see

representatives of the three armed services here today. It also gives

me the opportunity to send greetings and best wishes to their

families and friends and to all those members of the armed services

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who cannot be here today. headdress. Remove! Headdress. Three

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Music in the arena and in just a few minutes all eyes will look for

the fly past. Squadron leader, some of these aeroplanes, and you have

been involved in the planning, will be just five or 10 feet apart. How

do you put back together? normal skills of every pilot in the

RAF is to fly formations. But this is a rare events to put as many

aircraft does this in such a small space. I know you have men in the

tower at Windsor Castle, what is their role? The Earl Marshal is in

the round Tower and he is organising the fly past. It is

dependent on the weather, and he is co-ordinating to make sure the

weather is fit to put that many aeroplanes over Windsor at this

time of day. They are approaching now. Where have all of these

aeroplanes come from? There are a number of elements. But there are

helicopters from the Royal Air Force, helicopters from the army

and the Royal Navy as well. All of those have launched from Hampshire.

They will be followed by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight based in

Lincolnshire. Fermat is followed by aircraft from Brize Norton. This is

one of the most eagerly anticipated moments, I will hand over to Dan

said to me, if they went over 500 miles an hour, I can take it. We do

have some typhoon coming in later which can go twice the speed of

sound. The fly past is led in by Merlin's from Oxfordshire. They are

fantastic aircraft. They can carry 24 combat troops. They have a

special vibration dampening system, which means it is excellence for

casualties as well. This is the workhorse of the fleet. Has done

sterling work in Afghanistan, and regulate inserting troops and

taking away casualties in the most will be on duty over the Olympics

with snipers in the back. They are serving in not just foreign fields,

but over our heads in the United Kingdom. I can hear the rumble of

the fixed-wing aircraft coming in. They are led in by the magnificent

sight of a Lancaster bomber. The most famous and successful RAF

heavy bomber from World War II. It is escorted by four Spitfires. They

are the best piston engine fighters ever built, one of the most

beautiful aircraft. And to anyone who flies them, it is an experience

they never forget. What a sight as they come over Windsor Castle. And

there is a Lancaster. 350,000 troops in World War II, dropped a

million tons of bombs. They are in the Battle of Britain Memorial

Flight? Yes, based in Lincolnshire. Spitfires sometimes steal the show.

What have we got coming next? are from the Royal Air Force basic

flying trainer. All those aircraft are piloted by qualified flying

instructors. It is spelling out the 60 in this guide, it is a surprise?

It is a formation they have been practising for the Diamond Jubilee.

She looks thrilled. Very impressive. We are getting a sense of

progression. Now we are getting something more spicy which are they

go to after their initial training? There are a couple of elements

between these and the trainers, which will be following later on.

Huge transport aircraft. These are unmistakable in their outline. They

are incredibly busy at the moment? Absolutely. And they are moving

troops all over the world and we very rarely see one of these back

in the UK, they are so busy. When people talk about deploying a broad,

especially Afghanistan, it is the forgotten heroes, the crew who fly

them, carrying of the material and supplies all around the world.

is vital to have the support of the group's -- troops on the ground

worldwide by dropping supplies to the world, Kosovo and Afghanistan,

but this is your favourite aircraft, tornadoes. It is demonstrating it

is a refuelling aircraft, what are they like to fly? They are

incredible. Another aircraft that delivers protection to the troops

on the ground overseas. It is a magnificent machines. Those

tornados always saw our for bombing version, they carry out strikes to

attack targets on the ground? not forget, a good proportion of

its duties in Afghanistan is reconnaissance as well, for Count a

roadside bomb work. A lot of these aircraft are used to spot

improvised explosives? It is very important to protect troops on the

ground. That is extraordinary. That is what they were practising when I

was there. And they have pulled it off perfectly. The formation skills

here are a repeat of what is a basic pilot skills throughout the

Royal Air Force. There are also three hawks from the Royal Navy

involved in that formation as well. Her Majesty looks absolutely

thrilled with that. It is not something we can all expect in our

lives. This is the Red Arrows, the people's favourite? This is a

special Diamond Jubilee formation they are flying today. A three-

dimensional diamond mine in honour where diesel mixes with coloured DI.

That is not just for decoration, it is important in terms of their

formation. Yes, the pilots are highly trained. And the smoke is

one of their references. There go the Red Arrows, recognisable around

the world. The crowd are roaring. They have carried out of thousands

of display is in countries on every continent. No-fly past is complete

without them. Well, the weather held off for us. In fact, we got

everything we wanted. The lettering was the highlight. We are delighted

that we got a full fly past for her Majesty, despite the weather trying

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# Long live our noble Queen. # God save the Queen.

# Send her victorious. # Happy and glorious.

# Long to reign over us. # God save the Queen.

# Thy choicest gifts in store. # On her be pleased to pour.

# Long may she reign. # May she defend our laws.

# And ever give us cause. # To sing with heart and voice.

Locke. And the Queen now leaves the formal stage, and will go into a

more informal meeting with her service personnel and their

families. And it is there as much as hear that the connection is

remade between the monarch, the Colonel-in-Chief, and the people

from here and the Commonwealth who for the past 60 years have served

and been prepared to lay down their I don't know how that felt for you

at home, but here, it was very stirring, with the bands and that

extraordinary fly past, which made the whole studio shake as they

thundered overhead. It was quite a spectacle. Yes, and he recalled the

historical origins of this. It was a monarch reviewing the readiness

of his or her trips. Her Majesty must have been pleased.

certainly was pleased with the fly- past. What an amazing thing to pull

off. The precision was quite something to behold. What will it

have meant to the Queen? We saw her wonderful smile. She was thrilled

by the fly-past. As Patrick said, we started with the Tudor monarchs.

The Queen can look out and be proud of the incredible range, 60 years

in which things have changed a lot for the armed forces, and she has

been an incredible constant through so much history. We can hear the

band striking up behind us in the arena. They are leaving the arena,

proud in their bearskins. They have paid their tribute to their monarch,

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to their Colonel-in-Chief, after 60 On a well, today has been a

magnificent spectacle. Queen Elizabeth is only the second

monarch to have had a Diamond Jubilee. We talked about Queen

Victoria, who reviewed her troops here at Windsor Castle. And now

Queen Elizabeth. We will not see the light of this again in our

lifetime. No, and it is an important occasion to remember.

People sometimes question the pomp and circumstance aspect of what the

armed forces do, but this is why, occasions like this. The faces in