The 2020 New Year’s Eve celebrations in London were far from normal in the year of the pandemic. Usually, London’s streets are filled with crowds, the pubs are full to bursting and groups come together to ring in the New Year watching the fireworks display over the Thames…
This time there were no crowds or pub-goers, but one tradition did remain - an impressive fireworks display which took place over the River Thames, shifted a fair way down the river from the London Eye to the O2. It included tributes to the NHS and notable figures from the year of Covid-19.
It’s no surprise that the Thames has become the focal point for London’s New Year celebrations. It’s England’s longest river, starting as a small trickle in the Cotswolds and travelling over 210 miles through the heart of some of England’s most picturesque towns, right into the centre of London and eventually, out into the North Sea.
Aside from the New Year firework displays, which have only been held there on a regular basis since 2002, it has been the setting for many grand Royal pageants throughout history.
This story is from the Issue 49 edition of Royal Britain Presents Royal Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 49 edition of Royal Britain Presents Royal Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE ROYALS AT CHRISTMAS
The Royal Family traditionally spends Christmas and New Year at Sandringham House, the King’s country estate in Norfolk.
PRINCESS BEATRICE AT RAINBOW TRUST
Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice joined hundreds of guests at the stunning St Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge on December 7th for Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity’s much-loved annual London Carol Concert.
THE KING'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE AND A CORONATION CARD
If there is one family that knows how to stick to a tradition at Christmas time, it is the Royal Family.
The Royal Green Lungs of London.
The Royal Parks are famously called “the lungs of London” but they are also its heart. There are eight of them in all, and every one is open to the public. In the first of a 2-part feature we look into the rich historical background of some of the most famous urban parks in the world...
THE STATE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT
His Majesty the King, accompanied by Her Majesty The Queen, recently opened Parliament for the first time since his Accession. We look back at the history of this historic ceremony which is steeped in tradition and symbolism...
KEEPING UP A CHRISTMAS TRADITION
The Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis celebrated the festive season with their now traditional Together at Christmas carol service...
THE KING AND QUEEN IN KENYA
Inlate.October King Charles, joined by Queen Camilla, embarked on a four-day visit to Kenya, addressing issues related to the climate crisis, education and the importance of national security, as well as Britain’s colonial past...
KING CHARLES HOSTS A KOREAN STATE VISIT
The President of the Republic of Korea, His Excellency Yoon Suk Yeol, accompanied by Mrs Kim Keon Hee, paid a State Visit to the UK as the guest of His Majesty the King from 21st to 23rd November 2023.
KING AND QUEEN VISIT POUNDBURY
The King and Queen travelled to Poundbury in Dorset on June 27th to open a new garden named after the King’s late father, Prince Philip
PRINCE HELPS THE HOMELESS
Prince William recently launched a major five-year campaign to end homelessness, which he says should not exist in a “modern and progressive society.”