Spectacular flypast marks Jubilee

The Queen has been treated to a spectacular flypast by 78 aircraft over Windsor Castle and music from six military massed bands to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee.

More than 2,500 troops from the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force took part in a parade through the streets to the delight of thousands of well-wishers.

As she looked up to the skies to watch dozens of aircraft fly over in dazzling formations the Queen smiled, clapped and appeared delighted by the show of military might.

Twenty RAF Tucanos went past in the shape of a "60" and 27 Hawks flew across in an "E II R" formation to celebrate the Commander-in-Chief's 60 years on the throne. A total of 78 aircraft from past and present took part in the flypast by all three armed services, while six massed bands played Land of Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia.

Crowds in the streets of Windsor applauded and cheered as two Spitfires, a Lancaster bomber, helicopters, Hercules, VC10 and Tornado aircraft built up to a thunderous finale from the Red Arrows.

The Queen addressed the troops who formed the Tri-Service Guard of Honour in a purpose-built arena from a grandstand.

She said: "It is a tradition of very long standing that the Sovereign, and members of the Royal Family, are intimately associated with the Armed Forces and have been proud to serve in all three services. We are very proud of the selfless service, and sacrifices made by servicemen and women and their families in recent years.

"It is very gratifying to celebrate and take pride in successful achievements, but the real test of character is the ability to maintain morale and a positive spirit in bad times as well as when things are going well."

The Queen, who wore a turquoise silk, lace and sequinned dress with a matching coat and hat by designer Angela Kelly, was given a stirring three cheers by the servicemen and women, who thrust their head-dresses in the air as they shouted "Hooray!".

Sunday's pageant - the first major national event of the Diamond Jubilee - finished with the National Anthem.