Great Britain commemorated the ceasing on combat activities in Afghanistan as the Queen was joined by many veterans at St. Paul’s Cathedral for a service. Prime Minister David Cameron spoke at the ceremony, which was attended by many of the Royal Family. There was a military flyover downtown London and a parade by veterans as they paid tribute to those who fought and died in the 13 year war.
On day three of Royal Ascot, traditionally know as Ladies Day, the hat competition heats up. Ladies sport all assortment of of hats from conservative to gigantic. Even the odds makers get into the act, betting on what type and color hat the Queen will be wearing. The five-day meeting is one of the highlights of the horse racing calendar. Horse racing has been held at the famous Berkshire course since 1711 and tradition is a hallmark of the meeting. For men top hats and tails remain compulsory in parts of the course while the women seem to compete for the most dramatic and fashionable hat.
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Gay marriages take place in France, a spider farm in Chile, the grandparents of slain British soldier, Lee Rigby, visit the site of the murder and more in today’s daily brief.
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Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee concluded Tuesday with a Thanksgiving service at St. Paul’s Cathedral as well as a carriage procession through central London. The dignified conclusion ended a four-day celebration around the country that included a 1,000-boat flotilla on the River Thames and a pop concert in front of Buckingham Palace. Missing from festivities was the Queen’s husband of 64 years, Prince Philip, who was taken ill Monday. The celebrations brought many who cheered on Britain’s leading lady and honors the 86-year-old queen’s 60th anniversary since taking the throne in 1952.
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The River Thames in London was a spectacular sight on Sunday with an extravaganza of steam boats, tugs, speed boats and historic vessels as part of festivities for Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. The Queen joined the armada of 1,000 boats in a gilded royal barge as revelers braved the rainy weather to help celebrate the occasion by waving flags, popping bottles of champagne and cheering.
The 86-year-old queen celebrates her 60th anniversary since taking the throne in 1952. She is the second-longest serving monarch. According to Reuters, only five other kings and queens in British history have reigned for 50 years or more: Victoria (63 years), George III (59 years), Henry III (56 years), Edward III (50 years), and James VI of Scotland (James I of England) (58 years).
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