Katherine dazzles in Jubilee tribute to the Queen
ALL eyes were on the Queen as her Platinum Jubilee celebrations kicked off with a star-studded equestrian extravaganza, but it was Katherine Jenkins who stole the show in a beautiful dress.
The Neath singer dazzled in a blue ballgown with a huge skirt and sweetheart neckline that left viewers likening her to a “Disney princess” and “Cinderella”.
After the show the Queen rolled down the window of her car before waving at Katherine after she performed an emotional rendition of Rule Britannia! with the Academy Voices Welsh Choir.
Before the event Katherine described being part of Sunday’s celebrations as a “massive honour” and said it was an opportunity to “show our deep gratitude” to the Queen for her decades of service.
She told the PA news agency: “It’s so amazing to be part of today, the kick-off to the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
“It’s a massive honour, of course, to be invited to sing for Her Majesty at any time, but I think especially for the show this evening.
“I’m a massive fan of hers. I think she’s, you know, so incredible, such a great role model and it’s nice to have the opportunity to all come together and show our deep gratitude for all that she’s done for the country and the Commonwealth.”
Hollywood actors Tom Cruise and Dame Helen Mirren, once again playing a queen of England, also led the cast of entertainers who appeared in the first major event to mark the Queen’s 70-year reign.
Presenter Julie Etchingham, who fronted an ITV programme on the show, said: “It has been a perfect tribute, an extraordinary figure and a reign spanning 14 prime minsters and seen enormous change in Britain and abroad.”
And viewers loved Katherine’s dress. “Katherine Jenkins looks like a Disney Princess in that stunning blue ballgown. I had the pleasure of seeing her perform live a few years ago and she truly is a gifted vocalist,” said one. And another wrote: “Katherine got the Cinderella memo.”
“Katherine Jenkins, a real-life Cinderella. Wow,” agreed another.
The audience rose to their feet applauding and cheering when the monarch arrived at the arena close to Windsor Castle for the musical and theatrical romp across the centuries called A Gallop Through History.
Katherine said: “It was a huge honour to be asked to be part of these historic celebrations. No matter how many times I have sung for her, I never get used to it. There’s something about performing for her that makes you want to do your absolute best. She’s so amazing that I think it makes us all want to deliver the best show for her.
“There was such a beautiful atmosphere. Her Majesty’s love of horses and the Windsor Horse Show was spectacularly combined with a performance that had all the pomp and pageantry one would expect for such a huge occasion.
“She seemed to be enjoying it immensely and the audience were incredibly moved to see her there and be celebrating with her.”
The event was staged by the Royal Windsor Horse Show, which had been welcoming spectators for the previous three days, including the monarch herself, who spent part of her Friday touring the show grounds after earlier missing the State Opening of Parliament.
The Queen clearly enjoyed the show. When her own horses and ponies were led around the openair arena at its finale, she appeared enthralled, beaming as the animals passed the royal box.