‘I felt envious!’ Sir Cliff Richard reveals he WASN’T asked to perform at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee concert – despite headlining past Royal celebrations

Sir Cliff Richard has revealed his disappointment over not being asked to perform at the Queen’s Platinum Party At The Palace on Saturday.

The music icon, 81, who has previously performed at both the 2002 Golden Jubilee and 2012 Diamond Jubilee celebrations, spoke of his sadness over not joining the glittering line-up which included Diana Ross, Queen and Elton John.

Appearing on Sunday’s Sky News, he was asked: ‘And you did that in 2012, I remember that very well, at the Diamond Jubilee. Do you remember that moment?

Oh dear: Sir Cliff Richard has revealed his disappointment over not being asked to perform at the Queen’s Platinum Party At The Palace on Saturday

He responded: ‘I do yes, it was terrific. The one thing I will say now, is the show that I saw last night was probably the best produced show ever done for the Queen.

‘They must have spent millions on the lighting and it was just fantastic and I found myself slightly envious that I hadn’t been invited to sing because I would have loved just one picture in front of the palace lit like that.’

Sir Cliff is still part of the festivities however. He is one of 100 national treasures who will ride in open-top buses around London, with each bus marking a different decade of the Queen’s reign. The star got his singing moment when he burst into a tune while on the bus.

He joins stars including  Shirley Bassey, Jeremy Irons, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, Gary Lineker Bill Bailey and Basil Brush.

Not to be: The music icon, 81, who has previously performed at both the 2002 Golden Jubilee and 2012 Diamond Jubilee celebrations, spoke of his sadness over not joining the glittering line-up which included Diana Ross, Queen and Elton John

Got his moment: Cliff was seen finally having his singing moment as he rode on an open top bus with Chris Eubank

Later speaking on the BBC, he said: ‘I was disappointed I couldn’t be on stage, this year’s production of the show was absolutely phenomenal.

‘I was getting green with envy thinking I would just like to have one photograph taken against the palace. But it wasn’t my turn and the young guys took over, and quite rightly so.’

Two bus enthusiasts have also outlined the work it took to get their bus ready for the pageant.

Ivan Fisher told the PA news agency: ‘This is our bus’ first big event since we’ve owned it. We had to go through and change all tyres, specially for coming here.

Wave: The national treasure waved at fans as he rode down The Mall

Fun times: Katherine Jenkins was also aboard the bus

‘The buses were both in roadworthy condition to go, apart from the tyres, so they needed changing.’

Richard Dixon outlined why they decided to take part and said: ‘You can’t say no to taking part in this event. It’s such a great day.’

Both of the buses will be filled with celebrities from each era, but the two men said they were more excited about taking part in the event itself than meeting celebrities.

Mr Fisher said: ‘I’m more keen to be involved in the pageant and do it for the Queen really, because I’m a great royalist, so anything royal I’m keen on. It’d be nice to have any of them (celebrities) on.’

He said: ‘They must have spent millions on the lighting and it was just fantastic and I found myself slightly envious that I hadn’t been invited to sing because I would have loved just one picture in front of the palace lit like that’

Royal parade: Cliff is pictured at the Golden Jubilee Party At The Palace

Back again: Cliff was front and centre at the 2012 Diamond Jubilee celebrations – where he performed Congratulations

Mr Dixon said. ‘On the 1953 bus we’ve got Sir Cliff Richard, I’m looking forward to meeting him.’  

The highlight of the three-hour concert was Diana Ross, who took to the stage in an incredible black and white tulle gown at Buckingham Palace to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee for her first UK performance in 15 years.

The Supremes singer, 78, kicked off her performance with a rendition of Chain Reaction, which she sang backed-up by a talented choir while a glitter-ball was projected on to the Palace.

In a sweet tribute to the Queen’s 70-year reign, Diana also belted out Thank You while the words flashed on the giant screen behind her and the crowds eagerly waved their Union Jacks in the air.

The 22,000-strong crowd then erupted into deafening cheers as Diana launched into Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, with Kate Middleton seen looking equally impressed as she sang along from the Royal box.

Looking good: Sir Rod, 77, put on a vibrant display in a bright yellow suit jacket at the concert

Exciting: Welcomed to the stage as a ‘rock legend’, Sir Rod started by singing Baby Jane alongside three back-up singers, who wore dresses mirroring the Union Jack colours

Loving it: William and his son George seemed to enjoy Rod’s performance as they sang the song from the royal box, as did Kate

As she closed the show, she said: ‘I am so proud and pleased to be sharing the evening with you!’ 

Earlier in the night, Sir Rod Stewart did not fail to get the 22,000-strong crowd outside Buckingham Palace dancing with an incredible medley of his top tracks to mark the Queen’s 70-year reign.  

He put on a vibrant display in a bright yellow suit jacket, which he paired with black striped trousers and a crisp white shirt for the popping performance. 

The singer belted out Baby Jane with his recognisable raspy vocals alongside three back-up singers, who wore dresses mirroring the Union Jack colours

Rocking: The BBC ‘s Party At The Palace kicked off with a spectacular appearance from Adam Lambert and Queen on Saturday night

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