Appreciating The Support For Platinum Jubilee Celebration, Queen Elizabeth II: Thank You, Many Beautiful Memories Will Be Created

JAKARTA - Queen Elizabeth II said she had been inspired by the outpouring of goodwill ahead of the celebrations to mark her Platinum Jubilee, hoping it would provide an opportunity to look back on the achievements of the past 70 years.

The 96-year-old queen marks seven decades as Britain's monarch in February, and four days of events, parties, and parades in honor of her record-breaking reign begin on Thursday.

"Thank you to everyone who has been involved in bringing the community, family, neighbors, and friends together to celebrate my Platinum Jubilee, in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth. I know that many wonderful memories will be created at these celebratory occasions," Queen Elizabeth II said, citing Reuters on June 2.

"I continue to be inspired by the goodwill shown to me, and hope that the days ahead will provide an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved over the past seventy years, as we look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm," she said.

To mark the start of the Jubilee, Buckingham Palace has released a new portrait of the smiling queen, taken from a window at the Victoria Vestibule, part of the private apartment in her home, Windsor Castle west of London, where she now spends most of her time.