Besides excellent bilateral relations between Cameroon and the United Kingdom, Cameroon is a member of the Commonwealth headed by Queen Elizabeth II, further justifying the country’s imperative participation in the celebrations.
Queen Elizabeth II, who is celebrating 60 years in power, acceded to the throne on February 6, 1952 and her coronation took place on June 2, 1953. She succeeded her father, King George VI. The Queen celebrated the Silver Jubilee (25 years) of her accession to the throne in 1977 and the Golden Jubilee (50 years) in 2002. She is the second United Kingdom monarch to celebrate 60 years on the throne after Queen Victoria in 1897.
Prime Minister Yang and members of the Cameroonian delegation join officials from other parts of the world and the United Kingdom people to witness the different activities of the historic event. The celebrations centre around an extended weekend from June 2 to 5, 2012. On Saturday, June 2, the Queen attended the Epson Derby. A massively attended River Thames pageant on Sunday June 3 saw the Queen lead a thousand boats in one of the largest flotillas ever seen on the river.
Yesterday, June 4, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) was programmed to organize a concert at the Buckingham Palace attended by the Queen and other members of the royal family. Expected to perform at the star-studded event were Stevie Wonder, Sirs Elton John and Paul McCartney. A National Thanksgiving Service is scheduled for today, June 5, to be attended by the Queen and other members of the royal family at the St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. Later in the day, the royal family would travel from Westminster Hall to Buckingham Palace by carriage.
