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CNN Live Today

England Celebrates Queen's Golden Jubilee

Aired June 03, 2002 - 14:07   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: In London today, the celebration marking Queen Elizabeth's Golden Jubilee continues with a rock concert that includes Paul McCartney and Eric Clapton.

CNN's Walt Rodgers is there, rocking out, I'm sure. Hey, Walt.

WALTER RODGERS, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Carol.

Despite this prestigious address, Buckingham Palace, the royal residence is going to rock and roll over the course of the next three hours or so.

The reason being that this is Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee, celebrating nearly half a century on the British thrown and she's thrown a magnificent party for the British people.

Earlier today, of course, the queen was out at Windsor. There was a parade out there, where she was greeted warmly. She was, of course, both the hostess and the guest of honor at this parade. And Britons throughout this country, and Britons throughout the world, are celebrating the queen's 50 years on the throne.

She, by the way, is one of only five British monarchs to have endured 50 years in office. First was Henry III, then Edward III, then George III -- he's the one of the American revolution, of course. Then Queen Victoria, the great, great grandmother of the present queen, and now Queen Elizabeth herself.

The British are having a smashing time. This rock concert tonight will feature Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, Ozzy Osbourne, just everybody who is anybody in British rock except perhaps Mick Jagger, who's off on a tour at this time.

And then for the older folks, there's Tony Bennett and Shirley Bassie (ph). So it's going to be a wonderful bash. The queen and Prince Philip will not go out to the party until it's almost over, but the other royals will be there hosting 12,000 people on the grounds of Buckingham Palace.

Later this evening, there will be a magnificent fireworks display as the queen sets off a royal rocket of sorts that flies through the air, and then let's, ignites a giant gas flame on the Victoria Column behind me. And that will signal a huge fireworks display -- Carol. LIN: Walt, you know, after 50 years of service, I myself would want to retire. I mean, any word from the queen as to how long she plans to stay on the throne?

RODGERS: Carol, the queen cannot retire.

For one thing, she is perceived to be anointed by God. And thus, she cannot retire. The only way you can leave that job is to die, in the first place.

In the second place, she is having a wonderful time. The monarchy is in again, royalty is cool. The queen has garnered great public sympathy by virtue of the fact that the public has extended much by way of condolences to her on the death of her mother, the queen mother, earlier this year. Also her sister, Princess Margaret.

Another reason that the queen is in at this point is that she is very familiar to people here. The British have known her for virtually 50 years as queen, and longer than that as the Princess Elizabeth. People feel very, very comfortable with the monarchy now, and the queen is in again. The monarchy is in. So she will be here along as she is alive -- Carol.

LIN: All right, 50 years and more to come. Thanks so much. Walt Rodgers live outside of Buckingham Palace.

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