Alicia Keys Appears to Defend Performing 'Empire State of Mind' at Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee Concert Amid Backlash

Queen Elizabeth had personal requests when it came to her Platinum Jubilee Concert. Alicia Keys, who performed at Saturday’s Platinum Party at the Palace, revealed in an Instagram post that the 96-year-old monarch requested the songs she sung at the royal-studded event.

kicked off the Platinum Party at the Palace tribute concert outside Buckingham Palace.But many viewers might not have known the real origins of the ursine celebrity who hails from “darkest Peru” — yet was actually inspired by Jewish refugee children.Author Michael Bond, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 91, decided to write a book about an orphaned cub sent to England after spotting a toy bear alone on a shelf at Selfridge’s department store on Christmas Eve in 1956.“It looked rather forlorn,” he told The Sunday Telegraph, so he purchased the bear as a stocking stuffer for his wife and began to write a story about it. Less than two weeks later, he had a completed novel which was sold for 75 pounds.Bond revealed that while writing the first book, “A Bear Called Paddington,” he was partly inspired by vivid memories he had of seeing Jewish refugee children pass through the train station in his hometown of London, on their way to London from Nazi-dominated Europe ahead of World War II.The Kindertransport was an organized rescue effort that saw nearly 10,000 predominantly Jewish children from Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia and Poland settled in British foster homes and farms.

Queen Elizabeth is being celebrated with a star-studded concert!

Queen Elizabeth is being celebrated with a star-studded concert!

Cheeky comedian Lee Mack wasted no time in using the Queen's Platinum Jubilee as an opportunity to stick the knife in Boris Johnson – metaphorically of course.The northern comic, 53, opened the concert, which is being held outside the gates of Buckingham Palace, by making light of the so-called 'partygate' affair in Downing Street. Speaking with the Prime Minister in attendance, who was in the royal box, Mack said: "Finally we can say the words ‘party’ and ‘gate’ and it’s a positive." The joke drew cheers and laughs from the crowd.The embarrassing quip comes just a day after the PM was booed outside St Paul's Cathedral as he attended the Thanksgiving service with members of the Royal Family.

Queen Elizabeth sure knows how to get the party started. Her Majesty was joined by the lovable Paddington Bear character in a sketch to kick off the star-studded Platinum Party at the Palace.«In one of the videos, Elizabeth is sitting across Paddington as they are about to embark on an afternoon tea.

There are so many stars set to perform in honor of Queen Elizabeth!

J. Kim Murphy The Platinum Party at the Palace officially kicked off Saturday evening at Buckingham Palace with an opening sketch featuring Queen Elizabeth II and Paddington Bear sharing a meal.“Perhaps you would like a marmalade sandwich? I always keep one for emergencies,” Paddington Bear asks Her Majesty, procuring a sticky treat from his red bucket cap.“So do I,” the Queen replies, showcasing her own sandwich after reaching into her bag.

Queen Elizabeth is being celebrated with a star-studded concert, and the guest list has been revealed.

Prince Charles and his son Prince William will pay tribute to the Queen on Saturday night during special concert as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.The senior royals will enter the stage towards the end of the concert, which is being held outside Buckingham Palace. Members of the public will be able to attend if they were among the lucky few to grab a ticket but if you missed out then worry not as the BBC will be screening the whole event.

platinum jubilee concert is set to honour the Queen in the form of performances from many music stars. George Ezra, Alicia Keys and Brian May will be among the musicians set to take the stage at the BBC event on Saturday (5 June). But, who will be presenting the ceremony? That will be broadcasters Kirsty Young and Roman Kemp.

Queen Elizabeth lit the Principal Beacon at the official dual lighting ceremony on Thursday after news broke that she will not be attending the Service of Thanksgiving on Friday. The Queen made her arrival as her grandson, Prince William and others looked on.

Prince Louis – the youngest child of Prince William and Kate Middleton – had a memorable moment during the Trooping of Colour ceremony. Louis, 4, waved to the crowd, made funny faces and covered his hears during the noisy flypast as the family stood on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

Prince Andrew will officially miss another one of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee events after testing positive for COVID-19. According to royal reporter Omid Scobie, the queen’s 62-year-old son will not attend Friday’s Service of Thanksgiving.

celebrating 70 years as the British empire’s monarch with much pomp and circumstance right now — but that hasn’t drowned out the UK’s noisy fight for political change.If #AbolishTheMonarchy trending on Twitter the same day the four-day Platinum Jubilee launches is any indication, some Brits would like to see Elizabeth be the last monarch.The anti-monarchy group Republic has declared it would like to replace the royals with an elected head of state, especially as the unpopular — in some circles — Prince Charles would take over the throne once his mother dies.In January, Reuters reported that polls indicate the vast majority of people in Britain support the monarchy, and the queen herself is hugely popular. However, there is just not as much support for her eldest son and heir, Charles, and surveys suggest there is growing desire to “ditch the monarchy” among younger Britons.One wannabe activist tweeted on Thursday: “#AbolishTheMonarchy trending during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee bank holiday is beautiful.”Other users called it “nice” and “very refreshing” to see the phrase trending during the queen’s celebratory festivities.

Prince Andrew will officially miss another one of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee events after testing positive for COVID-19. According to royal reporter Omid Scobie, the queen’s 62-year-old son will not attend Friday’s Service of Thanksgiving.“Prince Andrew 'with regret' will no longer attend tomorrow’s #PlatinumJubilee service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s after testing positive for Covid,” the tweet read.