THE FIRM ON TOUR
Anne heads for Scotland as the royals disperse for the Jubilee
PRINCESS ANNE is to kick off the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Scotland.
She will be the most senior member of the Royal family north of the Border to celebrate her mum’s 70 years on the throne.
William and Kate will visit Wales and Prince Edward and wife Sophie will go to Northern Ireland as millions across the UK and the Commonwealth enjoy an extended bank holiday weekend.
It was also revealed yesterday Scots Olympic hero Sir Chris Hoy will lead a peleton of 300 cyclists riding bikes from every decade of the Queen’s service.
Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence will visit Edinburgh Zoo later this week and will join kids for an animal handling session in the Rainforest Room, before visiting the Penguin Enclosure.
She will also visit HMS Albion before meeting representatives from charities across Scotland supported by the royals.
William and Kate are to visit Cardiff ahead of the Palace concert featuring Queen and Diana Ross.
The Duke and Duchess will meet performers including Bonnie Tyler and Owain Wynn Evans as well as the crew involved in the special Platinum Jubilee Celebration Concert taking place in the castle grounds.
Hosted by Welsh singer Aled Jones and Shan Cothi, the concert features live performances from some of Wales’ bestknown singers and entertainers, alongside choirs, bands and orchestras.
The Queen, who is a huge horse racing fan, is understood to be a doubt for the Epsom Derby, the world’s greatest flat race, in favour of pacing herself ahead of the People’s Pageant in London on Sunday.
A royal source said: “It is important for the family to get out to see as many people as possible as part of the jubilee celebrations which will hopefully be enjoyed by millions across the country.” The pageant will bring the jubilee weekend to a close with a rousing finale featuring Ed Sheeran who will be backed by a gospel choir. The Queen is planning to appear on the palace balcony at the close of the event as Sheeran belts out the national anthem. Royal sources said that the Queen wanted to “take the opportunity to thank you to the public” and will be accompanied by a small group of her family, including princes Charles, William and eight-year-old George. Meanwhi le, as final preparations take place for the celebrations which start on Thursday with the return of Trooping the Colour in London, it was announced that Sir Chris will lead the 300 cyclists down The Mall alongside Dame Laura and Sir Jason Kenny.