A number of Fermanagh residents were among those from Northern Ireland who travelled to London to attend The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in the capital city.

David and Edith Donaldson from Enniskillen, were “very honoured and humbled” to be invited by Buckingham Palace to attend the National Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London on Friday, June 3.

“It was a fantastic experience to be part of such a moment in history and a great honour for us both to have been among those selected to represent Northern Ireland,” said David.

David and Edith Donaldson attended the National Service of Thanksgiving at St. Pauls Cathedral.

David and Edith Donaldson attended the National Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul's Cathedral.

The couple were also invited to the reception in Guildhall which was hosted by the Lord Mayor of London and followed the service.

“At the reception in Guildhall we spent some time with His Excellency The Right Honourable David Hurley, The Governor General of Australia and his wife The Right Honourable Mrs. Linda Hurley, who presented Edith with a gift from Government House in Canberra,” said David, adding: “We spent the full weekend in London and were able to attend the Trooping of the Colour and the Jubilee Pageant which were both amazing shows with a fantastic atmosphere.”

Girlguiding members from Fermanagh joined other Guides, Rangers, Young Leaders and Girlguiding volunteers from Ulster to attend the Platinum Jubilee Pageant on Sunday, June 5 in London.

Molly McAlister, a young leader with Tempo Brownies and her mother Karen McAlister, a Girlguiding volunteer with Tempo Guides, both attended the Platinum Jubilee Pageant.

Talking about her experience, Molly said: “It was so exciting to watch the pageant, there was so much to see and the atmosphere was amazing.

Molly McAlister, a young leader with Tempo Brownies, at the Platinum Jubilee Pageant in London.

Molly McAlister, a young leader with Tempo Brownies, at the Platinum Jubilee Pageant in London.

“My favourite parts were the heliosphere, seeing the Gold State Coach and Ed Sheeran!”

Karen added: “It was fantastic to experience such a historic event with young members and fellow Girlguiding volunteers.

“To be part of the Jubilee celebrations, in the thick of the action was truly amazing, memories I’ll cherish.”

The Queen has a long-standing personal history with Girlguiding, first joining as a Guide in 1937, at 11 years old alongside her seven-year-old sister, Princess Margaret as a Brownie. As a member of the 1st Buckingham Palace Guides, she took part in camping trips and earned badges in swimming, first aid, dancing, cooking, interpreting and horse riding.

In 1952, the same year she succeeded to the throne, HM The Queen became Joint Patron for Girlguiding with Queen Elizabeth (The Queen Mother).