Watch Trooping the Colour

UPDATE: The Duchess of Cambridge travelling in carriage procession with the Duchess of Cornwall and for the first time Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Kate's wearing McQueen with an elegant Philip Treacy hat. The Court Jeweller notes Kate's wearing a pair of Diana's sapphire earrings. There's two Live Streams linked below, the Sky News one has commentary from Alistair Bruce.

I have been busily researching and preparing posts for the Queen's Jubilee weekend (there is so much I want to share with you all), and it's going to be such an incredibly special weekend. We keep hearing the word historic. It sumps up the next few days perfectly. I often forget how many of you are across the pond, and when a reader asked about a Live Stream for Trooping the Colour, I thought it a good idea to share it here.

Sky News Live is another one to keep an eye on. Trooping kicks off at 10 am.

It comes as a beautiful new portrait of the Queen was released tonight. Taken by Ranald MacKechnie, it was accompanied by a message from the monarch: “Thank you to everyone who has been involved in convening communities, families, neighbours and friends to mark my Platinum Jubilee, in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth. I know that many happy memories will be created at these festive occasions. I continue to be inspired by the goodwill shown to me, and hope that the coming days will provide an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved during the last seventy years, as we look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm.” Photographed at Windsor Castle, HM wore a dove blue ensemble by Angela Kelly. 

A reminder of the schedule for the weekend:

Thursday, 2 June, 10 am - Trooping the Colour.

9.25 pm - Royals will gather on the Parade Ground from Buckingham Palace to watch the lighting of the principal beacon at the palace -- a 21-metre tall Tree of Trees sculpture. It promises to be an amazing sight with 3,000 beacons lighting up across the UK and Commonwealth.

Friday, 3 June, 11 am - A Service of Thanksgiving for the Queen’s reign will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral at 11.30 am. Great Paul, the largest church bell in the country, will be rung for the service. Afterwards members of the Royal family will attend a Guildhall reception hosted by the Lord Mayor.

Saturday, 4 June, - William and Kate will visit Cardiff Castle, Wales.

5.30 pm - Members of the Royal family will attend the Derby at Epsom Downs. 

7.40 pm - The Royal family will be out in force for a glittering evening of entertainment -- Platinum Party at the Palace. The celebration will see famous faces from the world of entertainment brought together to perform for a night of musical tributes to celebrate the Jubilee. 22,000 people will attend the event including 10,000 allocated in a public ballot and 5,000 tickets for key workers. It will be televised live on the BBC.

Sunday, 5 June - The Jubilee Big Lunches will take place all over the UK and further afield. Over ten million people across the UK are expected to join celebrations to share friendship, food and fun at Big Jubilee Lunches as part of a nationwide act of community friendship.

2.30 - 5 pm - Events will culminate with the Platinum Jubilee Pageant. Buckingham Palace said: ​"The Gold State Carriage, led by the Sovereign’s Escort, will lead the Platinum Jubilee Pageant, embracing the latest in digital technology to evoke the excitement and majesty of the Queen's journey to be crowned 70 years ago. The Pageant will bring to life iconic moments from the Queen’s reign, as well as showcasing our changing society over the past 70 years. 10,000 people are involved, including the military, over 6,000 volunteers, performers, key workers and 2,500 members of the general public."

There may be a large family appearance or additional balcony appearance afterwards.

The Cambridges were spotted returning to KP following several days in Norfolk today. I'll update with a 'First Look' photo in the morning at the top of this post.  I'm looking forward to following the Jubilee celebrations with all of you. It's truly going to be quite something.