‘The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force’s steel drum troupe performed a rhythmic version of Abba’s Dancing Queen – which the Queen appeared to enjoy’ – BBC
By Sue-Ann Wayow
QUEEN Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning incumbent monarch, enjoyed a taste of her former colony of Trinidad and Tobago during her platinum jubilee celebrations over the weekend.
A BBC report stated that the Queen, now 96, attended the final night of the celebrations at the castle arena at the Royal Windsor Horse Show which marked the beginning of the celebrations to continue into next month.
Celebrities including Tom Cruise, Helen Mirren and Katherine Jenkins appeared at the open-air celebration.
The Platinum Jubilee celebrations marks Queen Elizabeth 70th year on the throne.
The former head of state of several Caribbean colonies was thrilled by the many performances that documented her historic rule since ascending to the British throne on June 2, 1953.
One of those performances included a musical contribution by the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force steelband.
The BBC report stated, “The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force’s steel drum troupe performed a rhythmic version of Abba’s Dancing Queen – which the Queen appeared to enjoy.”
The platinum celebrations continue next month for another four days beginning with the Queen’s birthday parade and Trooping the Colour – as Platinum Jubilee Beacons across 2,000 towns and cities light up on June 2.
On June 5, a Big Jubilee Lunch and street parties are planned with a Platinum Jubilee Pageant, a procession and performance in central London, involving 10,000 people and the Gold State Coach.
Queen Elizabeth has had a long-standing relationship with Caribbean countries many of whom broke free from colonial rule in the 20th century including Trinidad and Tobago which became a republic nation in 1976.
More recently, in February Barbados swore in its first president, Sandra Mason, 55 years after gaining independence from Britain ending nearly four centuries of British rule, recognising the end of the Queen’s supremacy on the island.
The long-reigning queen remains Head of State of 14 countries outside of the United Kingdom including six Caribbean countries – Belize, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, and St Kitts and Nevis.
