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Today kicks off the official celebration of her 70th year on the throne.

Queen Elizabeth has made her first of two balcony appearances at this morning's Trooping the Colour parade marking the kick off to her official Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The 96-year-old British monarch received the salute from her troops from the Buckingham Palace balcony, alongside her cousin, the Duke of Kent. Last night, Buckingham Palace announced the plan for the day.

“On Horse Guards Parade, The Prince of Wales will take the Salute and inspect the Troops of the Household Division on Her Majesty’s behalf, joined by The Duke of Cambridge and The Princess Royal,” the Palace said in a statement. “Upon the return of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and the Guards, The Queen will take a Salute from the Balcony of Buckingham Palace, accompanied by The Duke of Kent, Colonel, Scots Guards.”

This is the first time Prince Charles has stood in for his mother at the ceremony, illustrating how he continues to take on additional duties representing the monarch. In just a few minutes, the Queen will return to the balcony with the working members of the royal family to watch the flypast.

For today's event, she is wearing a dove blue coat with pearl and diamante trim, which is believed to be the same one pictured in her official Platinum Jubilee portrait, which was released by Buckingham Palace yesterday. While in the portrait, her head is unadorned, today, the Queen has chosen to pair the Angela Kelly ensemble with a matching hat, as well as a three-strand pearl necklace, pearl earrings, and the Brigade of Guards Brooch

The portrait was shared with a message of thanks from the Queen, which reads:

"Thank you to everyone who has been involved in convening communities, families, neighbours and friends to mark my Platinum Jubilee, in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth. I know that many happy memories will be created at these festive occasions. I continue to be inspired by the goodwill shown to me, and hope that the coming days will provide an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved during the last seventy years, as we look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm."