Queen celebrates 50 years

There were a few drops of rain, but not the downpour of 50 years ago. And the Queen arrived in a bombproof limousine rather than the gold state coach and horses.

But, though low-key compared with the pomp of her Coronation on 2 June, 1953, today's service commemorating the anniversary held a special significance for all involved.

The Queen was driven, amid heightened security due to fears of an al Qaeda attack, with Prince Philip from Buckingham Palace to the west door of Westminster Abbey.

There, 1,000 members of the public and distinguished guests were waiting to hear a reworking of the Queen's commitment to God, the Crown and her people. In a marked departure from the original service today's congregation was invited to join in the words as they were delivered.

It was a service that marked not only a key moment in her long reign, but the warm relationship enjoyed by the monarch and her subjects.

Among the congregation were 34 "Coronation babies" born on 2 June, 1953, for whom today was a personal, as well as public celebration.

With them at the Abbey were 16 senior members of the royal family, politicians and dignitaries.

On her arrival the Queen, wearing a canary yellow jacket and skirt and carrying a patent leather handbag, was greeted by the Dean of Westminster, Dr Wesley Carr.

A fanfare heralded her arrival before she walked up the aisle, Prince Philip at her side, to take her place next to the Prince of Wales, Prince William and Prince Andrew. As the Queen walked slowly through the Abbey she was watched by William, who celebrates his 21st birthday this month. His brother Harry, preparing for A-levels at Eton, was unable to attend.

The hymn All People That On Earth Do Dwell filled the great space of the Abbey, then Dr Carr reminded those gathered of the Queen's affirmation 50 years ago and its continuing relevance today. He said: "Let us express our thanks for 50 years of service by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II."

Some of the older royals, such as the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra had attended the Coronation itself, which came 16 months after the Queen acceded to the throne following the death of her father George VI. Also there today were the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Princess Royal and her husband Commodore Timothy Laurence.

Prince Charles's partner Camilla Parker Bowles sat among the VIPs. Politicians from the major parties rubbed shoulders. Chancellor Gordon Brown exchanged pleasantries with Lady Thatcher as they arrived.

Also in the congregation was one man with whom Coronation Day will forever be associated - Sir Edmund Hillary, whose conquest of Everest 50 years ago was relayed to the waiting crowds. After the service the Queen met nine-year-old Louisa Harrington who is waiting for a heart transplant.

The Queen was presented with a posy of flowers at 12.30 - to mark the moment when she was crowned.

Most of the celebration engagements - including a Coronation party for 500 underprivileged children and the presentation of Jubilee awards - were carried out inside the security of Buckingham Palace and its gardens.

Entertainment for the children included a circus big top, bouncy castles, children's entertainers and military bands and the first funfair for 100 years in the grounds of the Palace.

Around 200 people gathered outside the Abbey, in contrast to the tens of thousands who lined the route and sang in the rain on the day of the Coronation.

Fifty years ago John Ellison, now 64, had stood in Whitehall with his father and today he returned from his home in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire. "I'm delighted to see the monarchy still in place," he said.

Another veteran of that day was Leo Delaney, a 57 year old from north London, who today travelled from his home with two walking sticks. He said: "Although its been hard to get here today its worth it. I was determined to make it."

Security surrounding the Queen was at its tightest since the height of the IRA terror attacks of the Seventies and Eighties. Police marksmen and armed undercover officers shadowed her every move during the celebrations. One highly placed source said: "The threat from al Qaeda is a very real one."