Queen appears as a hologram in spectacular Platinum Jubilee pageant

5 June 2022, 13:58 | Updated: 5 June 2022, 17:40

The Queen has appeared in hologram form beamed onto the historic Gold Stage Coach, which led her Platinum Jubilee Pageant through the centre of London.

The procession, which featured 6,000 performers, ended at Buckingham Palace, where the Queen made another balcony appearance.

It was led by a military contingent drawn from all three UK armed services and a number of other Commonwealth countries.

They were headed by soldiers from the Household Cavalry, followed by the Queen's 260-year-old Gold State Coach.

In 1953, the coach was used to transport the Queen to her coronation in Westminster Abbey.

Whilst the Queen was unable to travel in her coach for health reasons, she was represented on the side in hologram form by footage from across her reign.

The coach was guarded by troops from the Yeomen of the Guard, the oldest unit of the British Army in service.

The flags of all 54 Commonwealth nations were carried by British soldiers, reflecting the Queen's role as Head of the Commonwealth.

They were followed by military personnel from 21 of the Commonwealth countries, including Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Pakistan, Tanzania and New Zealand.

Prince Charles, along with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their three children, watched the ceremony from the royal box.

They were joined by Boris and Carrie Johnson, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

The military component was followed by classic British vehicles, including a number of cars which featured in James Bond films.

One group was made up of 300 classic bicyclers, led by Britain's cycling heroes including six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy.

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The procession was designed to show British life and culture from across the Queen's 70-year reign, organised according to the decade.

The 60s was represented by a group dressed as hippies and model Daleks from Doctor Who, with gay pride campaigners for the 70s and skaters for the 90s.

Each decade was accompanied by a bus containing celebrities from that era, including Nicole Scherzinger, Sir Cliff Richard, Katherine Jenkins and Kate Moss.

Great British Bake Off star Prue Leith was driven along in a Bentley, which at one point had to be pushed along by men in fluorescent jackets after it appeared to have broken down.

The procession aimed to represent all parts of the UK, with performers representing all four of the British nations.

It also sought to reflect the diversity of modern Britain, with a "Bollywood style" wedding and Afro-Caribbean drumming.

Participants included transport enthusiasts Ivan Fisher and Richard Dixon, who took part with two buses from the 2000s and 1950s respectively.

Outlining his excitement Mr Dixon explained: "You can't say no to taking part in this event. It's such a great day.

"On the 1953 bus we've got Sir Cliff Richard, I'm looking forward to meeting him."

His friend, Mr Fisher, helped bring the 1953 bus over to London from Norwich.

He said: "It took us nine hours to get here from Norwich as she's got a top speed of 32mph.

"We came Thursday last week so that they could decorate them and put the wraps on them. It took nine men nine hours for each bus.

"The gentleman who owns the 2000s bus was approached by the Pageant committee and asked if he knew of anyone who could contribute a bus, and we jumped at the chance because it's a big privilege to be involved."

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Also taking part was Sarah Jones, aged 74, who drove a vintage Mini she brought in 1974.

She admitted being "slightly nerve-wracked" but reassuringly added: "I'm sure it will be alright as long as I don't crash into the one in front."

British popular culture will also be well represented, with a group of Daleks from Doctor Who mischievously threatening to "exterminate" passersby.

Simon James, 48, is one of those inside a Dalek suit.

The train driver, from Birmingham, explained: "I have a nice comfy seat, so I'm going to get the best seat in the house.

"I am very excited to be taking part in the Platinum Jubilee.

"The Queen has done this country an amazing service and we are here to pay respect to the sovereign".

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