Royal Watch News

Diamond Jubilee concert attracts 16.9m

Jun 5, 2012, 12:01 GMT

Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee concert was the UK's most viewed programme so far this year.

The star-studded show - which was organised by Take That frontman Gary Barlow and aired live on BBC One last night (04.06.12) - attracted a peak audience of 16.9 million with an average of 14.7 million.

The highest viewing figures came as the queen - who is celebrating 60 years on the throne - took to the stage to light the national beacon, which sparked a huge and stunning fireworks display.

The concert took place on a specially-made stage outside Buckingham Palace and featured performances from the likes of Sir Elton John, Sir Tom Jones, Stevie Wonder, Kylie Minogue and Sir Paul McCartney.

It was watched by the many members of the royal family although the queen's husband Prince Philip missed out after being taken to hospital with a bladder infection.

At the end of the concert, Prince Charles paid tribute to his mother and thanked her for her years of service.

He told her: 'A Diamond Jubilee is a unique and special event, some of us have had the joy of celebrating three jubilees with you, and I have the medals to prove it. And we're now celebrating the life and service of a very special person, over the last 60 years.

'I was three when my grandfather George VI died and suddenly, unexpectedly, you and my father's lives were irrevocably changed when you were only 26.'

'So as a nation this is our opportunity to thank you and my father for always being there for us. For inspiring us with your selfless duty and service and for making us proud to be British.'