Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee celebrations kick off across the United Kingdom

Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating her Platinum Jubilee after spending a record-breaking 70 years on the British throne.

Tens of thousands of supporters lined the streets of London on Thursday as a royal parade kicked off four days of festivities across the United Kingdom with parties, parades and even a royal appearance by the Queen, Prince Charles, William and other members of the royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Prince Andrew, however, is noticeably absent from the festivities, the BBC reported.

Joining Her Majesty The Queen and other members of The @RoyalFamily to watch a very special flypast for the start of the #PlatinumJubilee ✈️ 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/V6yJm18OUd

— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) June 2, 2022

Throughout the day, artillery gun salutes are expected to sound across London, the United Kingdom and even from Royal Navy ships at sea. The celebration will not be limited to the isle, however, and beacons will be lit in cities across the Commonwealth – with the Queen leading the lighting of the Principal Platinum Jubilee Beacon at her Windsor Castle home.

According to a BBC report, millions of people across Britain and the world are expected to attend parties, watch the festivities and light beacons in honor of the 96-year-old monarch, who has sat on the throne for longer than any of her predecessors.

"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," the Queen said in a statement.

"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 70 years, as we look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm."

Across the globe, millions of people have sent messages of support to 96-year-old Elizabeth, and dozens of world leaders have also released statements celebrating her 70 years on the throne.

"Jill and I wish Your Majesty a joyful Platinum Jubilee celebration. On behalf of the United States, congratulations to Queen Elizabeth II on an unprecedented 70 years of service to the UK and Commonwealth and thank you for your friendship to the American people,” U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement.

"On the joyful occasion of Your Majesty's birthday, and as you celebrate this Platinum Jubilee year, I send cordial greetings and good wishes, together with the renewed assurance of my prayers that Almighty God will bestow on you, the members of the Royal family and all the people of the nation blessings of unity, prosperity and peace,” wrote Pope Francis from Vatican City.

"Your Majesty, it is my privilege to extend to You, on behalf of the French people, my heartfelt congratulations on Your Platinum Jubilee,” said French President Emmanuel Macron.

Although the debate surrounding the continuation of the monarchy continues to rage across Britain, opinion polls have shown that Elizabeth remains popular across Britain, with one survey showing eight in 10 people held a positive view of her reign.