Politics

Thanksgiving service honors Queen’s 70 years on throne

By Viviana Garcia

London, June 3 (EFE).- Prince Charles stepped in for his mother Queen Elizabeth II, who was absent at Friday’s Service of Thanksgiving at London’s St. Paul’s cathedral as part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations marking the British head of state’s 70 years on the throne.

The 96 year-old queen pulled out of the event after feeling “discomfort” on Thursday at the Trooping the Color military parade, which celebrates the queen’s official birthday.

The Prince of Wales, heir to the British crown, was joined by his wife the Duchess of Cornwall and other members of the royal elite.

The service was led by St Paul’s dean Reverend David Ison. Prime minister Boris Johnson read a passage from the New Testament and the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, thanked the monarch for her public service during her 70 years at the helm.

“Through times of change and challenge, joy and sorrow, you continue to offer yourself in the service of our country, and the Commonwealth,” the archbishop told the congregation.

“Your Majesty, we are sorry that you’re not here with us this morning, but we are so glad that you are still in the saddle. And we are glad that there is still more to come.

“So thank you for staying the course. Thank you for continuing to be faithful to the pledges you made 70 years ago,” he added.

Over 400 people were invited to the ceremony, with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, in the spotlight after they quit as working members of the royal family in 2020.

The royal family was scheduled to attend a Guildhall reception hosted by the Lord Mayor at 12.25pm, after the service.

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee will end Sunday after a four-day bank holiday to mark the historic occasion. EFE

vg/ch/jt

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