CATHERINE CALLAWAY, CNN ANCHOR: It is party time in Britain. Today, the country kicked off four days of celebration, marking Queen Elizabeth's 50th year on the throne. CNN's Richard Quest has more now on the beginning of the royal jubilee.</s>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 styles such as Dame Kitty Dekanowa (ph) also sang. There was music for fireworks, lit from the palace, another first. The 12,000 guests had been selected from across the country. Earlier, they'd been treated to a champagne and chicken picnic before the music began.</s>UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hello, mother. I'm in Buckingham Palace. We've come to see the Queen.</s>QUEST: Then at the end of an unusually warm night, songs to stir the national heart. Elgar's (ph) "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." (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.
Britain Marks Queen Elizabeth's 50 Years on Throne