Derby Day markes the start of Diamond Jubilee celebrations

[dabateman]

The Queen has watched the Derby at Epsom, having earlier driven on the race course to begin the first major event of the Diamond Jubilee weekend marking 60 years of her reign.

Racegoers cheered as the royal motorcade arrived at the winning post. Mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins then sang the national anthem.

Meanwhile, gun salutes echoed across London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.

Street parties were held in numerous locations, with more planned later.

The Queen, wearing royal blue, was accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh along with their sons the Duke of York and Earl of Wessex, and granddaughters Beatrice and Eugenie.

After some time in the royal box, she went to the paddock to inspect some of the horses running in the Diamond Jubilee Coronation Cup.

After the race she awarded the cup to Aidan O'Brien, the trainer of the winner St Nicholas Abbey, as well as meeting the horse's owner and jockey.

BBC News - Derby Day markes the start of Diamond Jubilee celebrations

Sixty years is quite an accomplishment! Though we here in the States shucked off the Crown, there are still many who are fascinated by the royal family. Though many argue that her empire shrank during her tenure, I must disagree. Her empire grew, and grew based upon democratic principals.

The Commonwealth has grown, and continued to be our closest allies.

Well wishes Your Majesty!

[trappedinonepartyillinois]

I always say Don't Mess with the British. And Don't mess with the USA.

And when we unite watch out! Together we won 2 world wars. Without us all of Europe would be speaking German.

[trappedinonepartyillinois]

Also they sure know how to throw a party over there don't they?

I was asked today if I thought American TV would cover her funeral. IF they covered the funeral of her dilletant late daughter in law I'd think they'd probably broadcast hers live. And the following coronation of Charles.

And yes the President whomever he would be (assuming it's a he her mother lived to 101 it could be a she) will attend the service and the coronation.

[dabateman]

Originally Posted by trappedinonepartyillinois

Also they sure know how to throw a party over there don't they?

I was asked today if I thought American TV would cover her funeral. IF they covered the funeral of her dilletant late daughter in law I'd think they'd probably broadcast hers live. And the following coronation of Charles.

And yes the President whomever he would be (assuming it's a he her mother lived to 101 it could be a she) will attend the service and the coronation.

I wouldn't disparage Diana. They both connected with the people in very different ways. Each had their role. Frankly, Diana was key to helping modernize the monarchy. Without that modernization, there is a deep concern that the monarchy could have found itself irrelevant.

And without Diana, we wouldn't have had William. He will make an excellent King.

[saltwn]

I love the royals. I'm not obsessed and wasn't a great fan of Diana, mostly the queen and how she has handled the job. And I love the weddings! I think I did watch the prince and Di get hitched.

[trappedinonepartyillinois]

I remember I went to my grandmas and she, my mom and I got up and watched and we had breakfast. It's one of my favorite memories of my childhood. I was 13.

And my younger brother can tell you the date he saw his first movie in the theater because we remember we were listening to the radio on the way home and they were announcing Prince William was born. It was ET.