hello! editor in chief ROSIE NIXON at Buckingham Palace

What a spectacular weekend! I was lucky enough to soak up the atmosphere first hand at the Party at the Palace on Saturday evening and the Platinum Pageant in London on Sunday.

Highlights included seeing the crowd erupt following Her Majesty’s appearance with Paddington Bear, swaying in the stands to Jason Donovan singing Any Dream Will Do during the Andrew Lloyd Webber medley and the terrific sing- a- long to Sir Rod Stewart’s rendition of Sweet Caroline – even Prince George joined in. The icing on the cake was the incredible light display at the end, making this event such good fun, family entertainment from start to finish.

On Sunday, I was lucky enough to attend the Pageant as a guest of royal warrant holders Jaguar. Ahead of taking our seats in the stands to watch the procession, I attended a VIP reception at Marlborough House, where guests were treated to an incredible buffet by Fortnum & Mason, washed down with Moët et Chandon champagne. I chatted to Penny Lancaster – who was enjoying the hospitality with her father – about her special role in the Jubilee: not only had she been supporting husband Sir Rod at his appearance the night before, but in her capacity as a serving officer in the City of London Police, she had been protecting the Guildhall during the royal reception after the thanksgiving service in St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday.

“It was an honour to serve our Queen in this way,” she told me.

I made a new friend in Dame Maureen Lipman, who, instead of joining seven other Dames, including Dame Joan Collins, in the vintage Jaguar motorcade during the Pageant, chose to bring her charming granddaughter Ava along for the ride as spectators.

As I was seated close to the royal box, I was able to witness some touching moments between the Cambridge children and the rest of the family.

I noticed the Duchess of Cambridge take Prince Louis’s thumb out of his mouth on several occasions and, despite a few fidgety moments, overall I was amazed at how impeccably behaved all the young children were.

Kate is clearly a natural and devoted mother who embraced many opportunities for cuddles with her brood. I’m not sure my two boys would have sat still for so long!

It was a momentous, joyful occasion – an experience I will remember forever.