In precedent it is the first in Britain's history and perhaps unlikely to be repeated, as no king has ever sat on the throne of Britain for such a long time. It is unlikely that her successor will achieve a similar reign since Crown Prince Charles is 73 years old while his son William will soon celebrate his fortieth anniversary. From today, the British will celebrate the Platinum Jubilee 70 years since Queen Elizabeth II seated on the throne.

The celebration was varied as Britain's streets were decorated with photographs of the Queen, and souvenirs were displayed in the markets in British flag colours, plates and time bearing her image. Celebrations kicked off on Thursday with the 96-year-old Queen's annual traditional military parade on horseshoe, followed by an aerial parade.

Only members of the Royal Family with official functions and their children are expected to appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace alongside the Queen, a passionately anticipated moment.

Queen Elizabeth of Britain thanked all participants in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations for sitting on the throne 70 years ago at the start of four-day events including parties, shows and a public holiday.

The British government expects millions of people from Britain and the world to take part in the celebrations that began on Thursday in honour of the 96-year-old Queen, who has been in the throne for some time.

In a statement, Queen Elizabeth said: "Thank you to everyone who participated in holding gatherings and to families, neighbours and friends to celebrate Jubilee Platinum both in the UK and throughout the Commonwealth."

"The good intentions I have experienced continue to be a catalyst for me, and I hope that the coming days will provide an opportunity to reflect on everything that has been achieved over the past 70 years, as we look forward with confidence and enthusiasm."

Celebrations begin with a military parade in central London, and for the first time Queen Elizabeth will be greeted by 1,500 soldiers and officers from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

On the other hand, television footage showed that at least two people caused disturbance during the military parade, running in front of the soldiers involved before they were arrested, one appearing to hold up a banner and the other placing a gold-painted crown on his head.

Prominent members of the royal family, headed by heir to the throne Prince Charles, 73, and his eldest son Prince William, 39, will perform honorary duties on behalf of the Queen, but most of the attention will go to those absent from the celebrations.

Among those absent was Prince Andrew, the Queen's second son, aged 62, who in February settled a lawsuit in the United States in which he was accused of sexually abusing a woman when she was a minor.

Her other grandson, Prince Harry, who currently lives in Los Angeles with his American wife Meghan, will attend the parade but will not be present when the royal family meets on the palace balcony.