Celebrations marking Queen Elizabeth II’’s record-breaking platinum jubilee have kicked off in London and around the United Kingdom, with thousands of well-wishers lining the streets of the British capital to catch a glimpse of the festivities.

Elizabeth II, who became Queen on the death of her father George VI in February 1952, completed 70 years of being crowned Queen.

The four-day celebrations began on Thursday morning with a military parade performed by members of the British Army.

Elizabeth II, 96, appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace along with Prince Charles, Prince William and other members of the royal family where she was greeted by her well-wishers.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, his wife and other prominent social and political figures attended the platinum celebrations of the Queen’s coronation and paid tribute to her.

Elizabeth II became queen at the age of 25, following the death of her father in February 1952, but was officially crowned in 1954, when she was 27 years old.

Earlier in a message shared on Twitter, the Queen thanked those involved in the celebrations to mark her Platinum Jubilee.