Key moments of Jubilee concert: Pop royalty, Queen's tea with Paddington and a joke at the PM

ITV News Reporter Charlie Frost rounds up Saturday night's festivities as the Jubilee celebrations enter their fourth and final day


Tens of thousands of people came together on The Mall on Saturday night to witness a historic night of celebrations to mark the Queen's 70 years on the throne.

The Platinum Party at the Palace saw an array of performances from pop royalty, poignant speeches from Prince Charles and William, a joke at the prime minister's expense, and other notable moments.

A crowd of more than 22,000 packed into stands and onto The Mall to watch the show on the third night of Jubilee celebrations, which saw classic images of Her Majesty displayed across Buckingham Palace, along with illuminations of corgis, the Queen's handbag and a large 70 that lit up the sky.

Here's a round up of some of the best moments of the concert.

Tea with Paddington Bear

The Queen kick-started an array of star-studded performances at the concert with a heart-warming short film alongside a national treasure – Paddington Bear.

The Queen met Paddington Bear at Buckingham Palace Credit: Buckingham Palace/Studio Canal/BBC Studios/Heyday Films/PA

Her Majesty brought the house down when she was joined on the big screens by the famous Peruvian bear, with whom she shared a cream tea.

The 96-year-old, who did not attend the concert amid ongoing mobility issues, revealed she shares Paddington’s love of marmalade sandwiches and keeps an emergency stash in her trademark handbag.

The Queen pulled out a marmalade sandwich from her famous handbag. Credit: PA

It brought back memories for many of the Queen’s James Bond skit for the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony, when the monarch met 007, played by Daniel Craig, and then appeared to parachute into the stadium, with the help of a body double.

The comic sketch was shown as the grand party in the shadow of Buckingham Palace began, and the Queen and her furry guest had a novel way of introducing the first and very fitting act – by tapping out the beat of Queen’s We Will Rock You on China teacups.

Partygate joke at Boris Johnson

Mr Johnson and his government became the target of one of the opening jokes of the concert when Comedian Lee Mack made a one-liner about the partygate affair.

Mack told the crowd of tens of thousands: “Finally we can say the words ‘party’ and ‘gate’ and it’s a positive.”


'This is a Jubilee we are not going to see - the like of which isn't going to happen in a lot of our lifetimes,' explains Chris Ship live from The Mall after the concert

The prime minister and wife Carrie were watching from the royal box, not far behind the Cambridges, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, when the comedian appeared to make light of the Downing Street scandal.

The joke, which comes after senior civil servant Sue Gray last months revealed the details of a series of Covid rule-breaking events held in government buildings, drew cheers and laughs from the crowd.

Sir Rod Stewart and Prince George's rendition of Sweet Caroline

Sir Rod Stewart took to the stage for a short but energetic set which included a cover of Neil Diamond's hit Sweet Caroline.

The Cambridges waved union flags throughout performances. Credit: PA

Prince George and Princess Charlotte, who earlier made a surprise visit to Cardiff Castle with their parents for a Jubilee event, were sat in the front row of the royal box for the concert alongside the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they stayed up late to make a surprise appearance.

As the words for the chorus of Sweet Caroline were projected onto the screen during Sir Rod's performance, eight-year-old George belted out a “bom, bom, bom” perfectly in time.

The Windsors – as many as 40 of them out in force – waved union flags enthusiastically and sang in unison to the chorus.

At the end of the hit song, Sir Rod shouted to the crowd "up the NHS" and "God save Ukraine".

Queen kicks off a series of star-studded performances

American singer Adam Lambert and the Royal military band were the first to take to the stage to continue the beat Her Majesty had started to introduce the iconic Queen anthem.

Guitarist Brian May made a memorable entrance by being raised from beneath the stage while shredding on his guitar - 20 years after he created a classic moment during the 2002 Golden Jubilee celebrations, when he performed God Save The Queen on Buckingham Palace’s roof.

Brian May performs during the Platinum Party at the Palace staged in front of Buckingham Palace. Credit: PA

They were followed by performances from DJ Jax Jones, rapper Stefflon Don, singer Mabel, musician John Newman, followed by Elbow with a performance of One Day Like This alongside the Citizens of the World Choir.

Jax Jones introduced rapper Stefflon Don before her performance. Credit: PA

Ashley Banjo and his dance troupe Diversity took to the stage delivering an energetic 'Best of Britain' show to a number of British songs popular throughout the Queen’s reign, from The Beatles’ She Loves You, to the Spice Girls’ Spice Up Your Life, and Stormzy’s Big For Your Boots.

Craig David was among the stars who performed in the star-studded event on Saturday night. Credit: PA

Craig David took to the stage in a glittery tracksuit and performed classic hits such as Rewind, before the Obamas and James Bond star Daniel Craig sent well wishes to the Queen in video messages.

Duran Duran gave a colourful performance on stage at the BBC’s concert as they paid homage to British fashion - with inspiration from traditional monarch style seen in the outfits, including crowns and trains galore.

Duran Duran paid homage to British fashion. Credit: PA

As the new wave band sang Girls on Film, pictures of Her Majesty throughout the ages were projected in colour on the façade of Buckingham Palace while a catwalk of models paraded down a walkway in extravagant outfits.

The band were followed by singer Alicia Keys who performed her song Superwoman, which the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were seen applauding to.

Thousands turned up for the star-studded show. Credit: PA

Andrea Bocelli, Nile Rodgers, and Eurovision star Sam Ryder also took to the stage for star performances, before video messages from Dame Judi Dench, David Beckham and Sir Elton John played out.

Nile Rodgers (centre) performs with Duran Duran during the Platinum Party at the Palace. Credit: PA

Sir Elton then appeared on the centre stage singing Your Song while playing the piano, while an orchestra accompanied him live.

Sir Elton John performs by video link during the BBC's Platinum Party. Credit: PA

Charles thanks 'Her Majesty, Mummy' for a 'lifetime of service'

The future king paid a touching tribute to his mother and told her his late father, "Papa" Philip, was there "in spirit" enjoying celebrations in honour of the Queen.

Charles, who began his heartfelt speech with “Your Majesty, Mummy” told the monarch: “You have been with us in our difficult times.

“And you bring us together to celebrate moments of pride, joy and happiness.”

He added: “You have met us and talked with us. You laugh and cry with us and, most importantly, you have been there for us, for these 70 years.

"You pledged to serve your whole life, you continue to deliver."

His speech came shortly after his son, the Duke of Cambridge, paid tribute to his grandmother's "optimism" and praised her for her "hope" for the future of the planet, along with a nod to his father and grandfather's environmental efforts.

Diana Ross returns to the stage

The 78-year-old soul singer was the last to take to the stage, dressed in a white and black tiered voluminous dress with silver jewellery, and delivered a selection of her hit songs.

The iconic soul singer returned to the stage. Credit: PA

Diana Ross opened with Chain Reaction as an image of a disco ball was projected onto Buckingham Palace, and closed the set with No Mountain High Enough while accompanied by a choir and orchestra.

At the end of the song, she said: “I am in admiration of you, Your Majesty.

“I am so proud and pleased to be here to share this evening with you, and I know you all feel the same”.

She closed the show by urging everyone in the crowd to shout “thank you” to the Queen, which was followed by rounds of applause.


Listen to the latest entertainment news on our podcast, Unscripted