Queen Elizabeth II greets public on platinum jubilee

The 96-year-old monarch stepped gingerly onto a balcony at Buckingham Palace with members of her family on Thursday. On the ground below, tens of thousands of Britons waving Union Jack flags cheered to celebrate the queen’s 70 years on the throne. A formation of British fighter jets flew over in the shape of the number 70. Congratulations poured in from across the globe, from Australia to China, and, of course, the White House. Even North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un offered his congratulations.

How is the country celebrating? Her public appearance Friday marked the beginning of four days of planned events, including a parade, a concert, and street parties throughout the country. The palace said Elizabeth would miss a service of thanksgiving on Friday at St. Paul’s Cathedral because she did not feel well after Thursday’s activities. Elizabeth, who became queen at the age of 25, is Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and the first to reach the milestone of seven decades on the throne.

Dig deeper: Listen to Katie Gaultney’s report on the history of the queen’s annual Christmas address.