Queen Elizabeth waves to the crowd as the Platinum Jubilee celebrations begin

Elizabeth, holding a wand and wearing a navy blue dress, which she also wore for an official birthday photo released on Thursday, joined her son and heir, Prince Charles, 73, and other dignitaries on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

On Thursday, a beaming Queen Elizabeth waved to applause from the crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace. Britain embarked on four days of splendor, parties, and parades to celebrate 70 years on the British throne.

Tens of thousands of loyal supporters, waving flags, lined the streets of London for the military parade keeping the start of the Platinum Jubilee. Millions of people from across the UK also worldwide are expected to attend the street parties that will follow the celebrations and flash floodlights in honor of the 96-year-old Queen.

Elizabeth, holding a wand and wearing a navy blue dress, which she also wore for an official birthday photo released on Thursday, was greeted by her son and heir, Prince Charles, 73, and other dignitaries on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in the company.

"Thank you to everyone involved in bringing the community, family, neighbors, and friends together to celebrate my platinum birthday in the UK and across the UK," he said in a statement at the start of the celebration.

 The audience applauded as the Royals watched the Royal Air Force's modern and historical aircraft fly overhead. The Queen's great-grandson waved at the plane as they hurtled past.

Thursday marks the start of the jubilee and the 69th anniversary of the coronation of Elizabeth, who became Queen then the death of her father, George VI, in February 1952.

Due to the king's age and recent "episodic mobility" issues that have prompted him to cancel some commitments, Elizabeth's involvement in the event will be somewhat limited compared to previous significant gatherings.