MAGNIFICENT FLYPAST CROWNS QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
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.’