The Queen's Golden Jubilee hit a spectacular high note on Saturday when she hosted a Golden Jubilee Prom at the Palace for an audience of more than 12,000 people.
It was the first concert of its kind in the grounds of Buckingham Palace, which was transformed into a giant arena.
It was also the beginning of a bank holiday weeked of jubilee celebrations which will also see a pop concert at the Palace today, featuring ex-Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Sir Elton John and Sir Cliff Richard.
Eighteen members of the Royal Family watched the outdoor classical concert from the Royal Box.
The Prince of Wales was joined by his partner Camilla Parker Bowles - who sat with the Royals although not next to Charles - in what was widely viewed as another step towards royal acceptance.
Camilla, dressed in pink, sat between Princess Alexandra and Sir Michael Peat, the Queen's treasurer who is soon to become the Prince's private secretary.
She curtseyed to the Queen, who was last to take her seat in the Royal Box.
Sat behind Viscountess Linley, Camilla was in the second row, some 15ft from the Queen and Charles, who sat next to each other in the front row.
Other VIPs in the Royal Box were Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith and Northern Ireland First Minister David Trimble.
The weather was kind and thousands more watched the concert on giant screens outside the Palace and in Green Park and St James' Park.
Master of ceremonies, broadcaster Michael Parkinson, introduced the star-studded classical cast, including Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, and said the televised concert would be seen in more than 40 countries.
Concert-goers, who each received free tickets after being drawn in a ballot, began arriving at the Palace during the afternoon and enjoyed their picnic on the Queen's lawn, listening to pre-concert entertainment, including the Bootleg Beatles and the Big Buzzard Boogie Band. There was also street theatre, magicians and dancers.
On arrival, everyone was given a free hamper containing a half-bottle of champagne, salmon roulade, jubilee chicken with pasta salad - a dish tasted and approved by the Queen - and strawberries and cream.
In addition to a bottle of mineral water, there were also vouchers for two glasses of beer
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