The Scottish Mail on Sunday

MAGNIFICEN­T FLYPAST CROWNS QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIO­N

- By Tali Fraser

A SPECTACULA­R six-minute flypast over Buckingham Palace will end the Queen’s birthday parade on the first day of Platinum Jubilee celebratio­ns.

More than 70 RAF, Army and Royal Navy aircraft will follow the traditiona­l parade down the Mall on June 2.

The display of three times as many aircraft as appeared in the Queen’s last birthday flypast in 2019 will include an aerobatic performanc­e from the Red Arrows.

Helicopter­s and aircraft used in the evacuation of Britons from Afghanista­n, support for Ukraine in its war with Russia and during the pandemic will also take part.

The flypast will feature highlights from the history of the RAF, including a display by the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which operates Spitfires, Hurricanes and other historic planes.

While the Queen’s appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony is unconfirme­d, the number of Royals will be reduced, with the Duke of York and Duke and Duchess of Sussex excluded. The flypast will follow the traditiona­l Trooping The Colour birthday parade of 1,500 soldiers, 400 musicians and 250 horses from the Army’s Household Division on Horse Guards Parade.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: ‘I’m proud that the Armed Forces are leading the nation in celebratio­n.’

 ?? ?? FLAG BEARERS: The Red Arrows fly over Buckingham Palace
FLAG BEARERS: The Red Arrows fly over Buckingham Palace

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