London gears up for Queen Elizabeth's 70th jubilee

Meanwhile, London is gearing up to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 70 years on the throne this weekend with four days of pomp and pageantry in central London.

But behind the brass bands, Union Jack flags and a planned appearance by the aging queen on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, lies a drive to show the royal family remains relevant after seven decades of change.

If the depleted stock at the Cool Britannia gift shop is any indication, the jubilee has caught the attention of the public. Around the corner from Buckingham Palace, the shop has run out of Platinum Jubilee tea towels.

The question for the House of Windsor is whether the public will transfer their love for the queen to her son and heir, Prince Charles, when the time comes.