Bunting goes up in Ballater as Queen rests at Balmoral before Jubilee celebrations

The Queen's Silver Jubilee Tour Of Scotland, May 1977

The bunting was already going up in Ballater on Saturday as the Queen’s Scottish bolthole gets ready to party.

The monarch arrived at Balmoral on Thursday for a few days’ rest before returning to London for the weekend’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations when the Royal Deeside village intends to join the party.

Prince Charles – who like the Queen, who is staying at Craigowan Lodge, a mile from the castle this weekend, has a home on the estate – helped choose a tree to be planted in the village on Sunday to commemorate his mother’s history-making 70 years on the throne.

Some have partied with the Queen before. Every summer she holds the annual Ghillies’ Ball at Balmoral for estate staff and guests, continuing a 19th-Century tradition that began with Queen Victoria.

Businessman David Cobban, 56, who with his wife Wendy, 48, is co-ordinating this weekend’s celebrations – hosted by broadcaster and singer Fiona Kennedy – said: “Balmoral Castle and the village of Ballater are the Queen’s home in Scotland, and, for us, this milestone is of special importance. We are not only celebrating our monarch, but a neighbour, a friend, and an important member of our community.

Queen Elizabeth with sister Margaret at Balmoral.

“The Queen and the royal family know they can come here and have no one bother them, they can go about their business in peace and quiet.

“The royal family are often seen out and about in the village, shopping and taking time to talk to local folk. Many people in Ballater hold huge affection for the Queen, and we’re thrilled to be marking this monumental event.

“The Duke of Rothesay helped us choose our Platinum Jubilee Tree, an Acer Deborah, as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative.”

Co-organiser Wendy Cobban said the community will be following the national programme of events that includes the Lighting Of The Beacon Ceremony at 8pm on Thursday – one of thousands being lit across the UK and the Commonwealth to launch four days of events including more than 16,000 street parties expected to be thrown over the bank holiday weekend, with other events including the Queen’s Birthday Parade on Thursday; a service of Thanksgiving on Friday; a Party at the Palace on Saturday, headlined by Diana Ross; and a Big Jubilee Lunch and a Jubilee Pageant on Sunday.

Our Platinum Jubilee Souvenir Special supplement, inside today’s Sunday Post. A tribute to the Queen’s life of royal service and photographs from her history-making reign.

Back in Ballater, Mrs Cobban said the village is getting ready to celebrate: “Everyone has been wonderful. We are incredibly excited about the whole event. People are already putting up their bunting and there’s a real buzz about the village.”

Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan are expected to join the rest of the royals as the family gathers to mark the special anniversary. The couple, who have a strained relationship with some family members and senior staff after leaving to live in California, are expected to fly in midweek and attend the service of thanksgiving on Friday. The Queen is said to be delighted her family will be around her.

One source said the Queen wants the Jubilee to be a celebration of the institution, adding: “It is also a chance for people to come together after a very difficult period for this country. She doesn’t want anything to overshadow it, and that includes any family issues.”