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CNN Sunday Morning

Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee Now Underway

Aired June 02, 2002 - 09:20   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.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Britain's most famous soccer fans, Princes William and Harry had to miss the World Cup match. They were attending the Jubilee church services today to honor their grandmother's 50-year reign.

CNN's Richard Quest takes a look at the official kickoff for the Jubilee celebration.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RICHARD QUEST, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): "Rejoice" by Handel played at the Queen's coronation and played at the beginning of this first Jubilee concert. Classical stars such as Dame Kiri Te Kanawa also sang. There was music for fireworks from the palace, another first.

The 12,000 guests had been selected from across the country. Earlier they had been treated to a champagne and chicken picnic before the music began.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hello, mother, I'm in Buckingham Palace. We've come to see the queen.

QUEST: Then at the end of an unusually warm night, songs to stir the national heart. Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance," followed finally by the National Anthem. Tonight, the royals couldn't go wrong, and for the thousands waiting outside the palace gates, a rare treat, the queen came out to greet the crowd and say thank you.

QUEST (on camera): And so a long holiday weekend begins, four days of celebration, parties and parades, as Britain says thank you to the queen.

Richard Quest, CNN, Buckingham Palace.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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