THE Queen was left "humbled and touched" by her Platinum Jubilee celebrations as she appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
Her Majesty, 96, was absent for much of the extended Bank Holiday weekend, after finding the first day enjoyable but tiring.
But in a message of thanks, the monarch acknowledged her health but said her "heart" had been with well-wishers during the Platinum Jubilee.
The Duchess of Cornwall, patron of the Big Lunch, estimated that up to 18 million people could have taken part in Jubilee street parties, and the Queen expressed her hope this "renewed sense of togetherness" would be felt for years to come.
After the outpouring of public affection during her balcony appearance, the Queen said she was "humbled and deeply touched" so many people had taken part in celebrations marking her 70-year reign.
Surrounded by her family, she was cheered by thousands of well-wishers after stepping on to the balcony following the Platinum Pageant, which told the story of her life, and the nation, with an eccentric, fun and imaginative carnival-like display.
Smiling as she acknowledged the spectators, she looked down on The Mall where tens of thousands had waited in hope of seeing her
Read our Royal Family blog below for the latest updates…
- Lauren Lomas
Highlights of the Jubilee Pageant: Prince of Wales Grandad duties
Prince Charles was tasked with looking after Prince Louis, the youngest of Prince William’s children.
Little Prince Louis was snapped spending time with his Grandad, Prince Charles.
He sat on his Grandad’s lap as they all danced along to the spectacular carnival.
The cheeky chappy looked like he was having a great time with Grandad Charles.
Credit: AP - Lauren Lomas
Tears of joy: Brits spot the Queen shed a tear on the Royal Balcony
Queen Elizabeth made a special appearance as hundreds of thousands of Brits cheered her on.
The closing moment saw the Queen shed tears of happiness as Brits sung the National Anthem to her.
She beamed down at Brits in the overwhelmingly emotional moment.
Credit: Getty - Lauren Lomas
The Queen was all smiles from the Royal Balcony as Brits cheered the 96-year-old Monarch on
Her Majesty the Queen was joined by senior Royals for her special Balcony appearance.
Brits lined the Mall to sing God Save the Queen, and cheer the Monarch.
She waved and smiled, during the very emotional moment.
The Queen will likely return home to Windsor, following a very busy Jubilee weekend.
Credit: Reuters
- Lauren Lomas
QUEEN made an emotional appearance on the Royal Balcony
Brits were hoping she would appear at the end of the stunning Pageant, and were not disappointed.
She wore a gorgeous bight green colour, and smiled as Brits sung the God Save the Queen.
Hundreds of thousands of Brits all cheered and applauded the Monarch, who despite struggling with mobility issues and discomfort, came to wave at her loyal subjects.
- Lauren Lomas
Stunning performance of puppets put on for the Jubilee pageant
More than 150 costumes have been put together especially for the event.
Onlookers were stunned as performers sailed down the Mall on Sunday.
There were huge real Irish Wolfhound, puppet snakes, swans and horses, and a huge Bollywood wedding.
Credit: AP - Lauren Lomas
A-PAW-ABLE! Gorgeous corgi’s take over London cafe
The Queen’s favourite pooches have celebrated the Jubilee in a very special way!
Corgi lover’s everywhere congregated at The Refinery Bankside.
The Queen has had more than 30 corgi’s in her life.
- Lauren Lomas
Queen’s jockeys form Guard of Honour at Epsom
Forty of the Queen’s jockeys past and present lined up in a spectacular guard of honour for the royal party ahead of racing on Derby Day at Epsom.
The greats of the saddle, dressed in the famous purple and gold silks, lined up on the steps overlooking the hat-box winner’s enclosure before heading on to the track to greet the Princess Royal and other members of the entourage.
Frankie Dettori said he was “honoured” to be among the riders, who also included current stars Hollie Doyle and Tom Marquand, and Derby-winning riders Kieren Fallon, Johnny Murtagh and Martin Dwyer, along with champion jump jockeys Barry Geraghty and Sir Anthony McCoy.
Dettori said: “I felt like I did as an apprentice 30 years ago! What a nice touch that was.
“It was a lovely spectacle and it is one picture I will definitely get on my wall, that was unique where we were all stood on the steps.”
- Lauren Lomas
Prince Charles pays tribute to ‘mummy’ the Queen
Prince Charles delivered an emotional tribute to “Your Majesty, Mummy” last night as he capped off an incredible Platinum Jubilee party.
The Prince of Wales made the heartfelt address celebrating his mother’s historic 70 years of service watched by a crowd of around 100,000 outside Buckingham Palace.
He hailed the Queen for being “with us in our difficult times” and uniting people to mark moments of “pride, joy and happiness”. He also celebrated her “lifetime of selfless service”, speaking for the nation when he said: “You have met us and talked with us. You laugh and cry with us and, most importantly, you have been there for us.”
And he poignantly suggested that his dad “Papa” Prince Philip would have loved the show.
The Queen, 96, did not appear at last night’s event as she struggled with her mobility issues ? but followed on TV from Windsor.
Senior royals including Wills, Kate and Camilla, Zara and Mike Tindall, Beatrice and Eugenie, Edward and Sophie and Princess.
- Lauren Lomas
A 27-year-old Queen Elizabeth II waves at the crowds from her Coronation Carriage in modern day
In an amazing ceremony, the golden carriage used for the Queen's Coronation in 1952 was pulled by horses down the Mall today.
A hologram of the Queen, aged 27, was used today in the window of the carriage.
In colour, she smiles and waves at her subjects.
It is amazing that the moment could be replicated, 70 years later, for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebration.
This was an extremely emotional moment for the Royals and Brits alike.
The original golden coronation carriage with a hologram of the Queen is seen during the Platinum Pageant on June 05, 2022 in London, EnglandCredit: Getty
- Lauren Lomas
Like butter wouldn't melt! Adorable Prince Louis moments as he gives mummy Kate a kiss
The cheeky chappy has kept Brits in stitches with his hilarious facial expressions.
Prince Louis has been snapped sweetly snuggling up to his mother the Duchess of Cambridge, and giving her a kiss on the cheek.
The youngest son of Kate and Wills, Louis was also pictured covering his ears in shock of how loud the military aircraft were during the flyover on Friday.
He was also spotted playing with his siblings during the parade.
Britainâs Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Louis attend the Platinum Jubilee Pageant, marking the end of the celebrations for the Platinum Jubilee of Britainâs Queen Elizabeth, in London, Britain, June 5, 2022Credit: Reuters The Duchess of Cambridge hugs Prince Louis during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant in front of Buckingham Palace, London, on day four of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Picture date: Sunday June 5, 2022Credit: PA - Lauren Lomas
Highlights of the Jubilee Pageant: Polynesian military in their traditional dress parade down the Mall
Incredible sights as the Polynesian show support for the Queen on her 70th Jubilee, and parade down the mall.
The western region of Oceana was a major site of conflict during World War Two.
Representing Polynesia, the military paraded three kilometres down the Mall and were met by cheers from Brits.
Polynesian soldiers looked incredible as they walked the entire length of the Mall barefoot.
Members of the military from Polynesia, in traditional dress, pass byCredit: Alamy - Lauren Lomas
Highlights of the Jubilee Pageant: Prince of Wales Grandad duties
Prince Charles was tasked with looking after Prince Louis, the youngest of Prince William's children.
Little Prince Louis was snapped spending time with his Grandad, Prince Charles.
He sat on his Grandad's lap as they all danced along to the spectacular carnival.
The cheeky chappy looked like he was having a great time with Grandad Charles.
Prince Louis sits on Prince Charlesâ lap, with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall at left and Princess Anne at right, during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant outside Buckingham Palace in LondonCredit: AP - Lauren Lomas
Tears of joy: Brits spot the Queen shed a tear on the Royal Balcony
Queen Elizabeth made a special appearance as hundreds of thousands of Brits cheered her on.
The closing moment saw the Queen shed tears of happiness as Brits sung the National Anthem to her.
She beamed down at Brits in the overwhelmingly emotional moment.
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince George of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge stand on the balcony during the Platinum Pageant on June 05, 2022Credit: Getty - Lauren Lomas
The Queen smiles from the Royal Balcony as Brits cheer the 96-year-old Monarch on
Her Majesty the Queen was joined by senior Royals for her special Balcony appearance.
Brits lined the Mall to sing God Save the Queen, and cheer the Monarch.
She waved and smiled, during the very emotional moment.
The Queen will likely return home to Windsor, following a very busy Jubilee weekend.
Queen Elizabeth joined by her family on the Royal BalconyCredit: Reuters - Lauren Lomas
QUEEN makes an emotional appearance on the Royal Balcony
Brits were hoping she would appear at the end of the stunning Pageant, and were not disappointed.
She wore a gorgeous bight green colour, and smiled as Brits sung the God Save the Queen.
Hundreds of thousands of Brits all cheered and applauded the Monarch, who despite struggling with mobility issues and discomfort, came to wave at her loyal subjects.
- Lauren Lomas
Stunning performance of puppets put on for the Jubilee pageant
More than 150 costumes have been put together especially for the event.
Onlookers were stunned as performers sailed down the Mall on Sunday.
There were huge puppets of Irish Wolfhounds, snakes, swans and horses, and a huge Bollywood wedding.
People parade during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant outside Buckingham Palace in London, Sunday, June 5, 2022Credit: AP - Lauren Lomas
The Pageant's amazing Dragon
This huge puppet which is also part kite, is bigger than a double decker bus and is operated by more than 15 people.
The dragon is the centre piece of the carnival, with an absolutely stunning display put on for Brits
- Lauren Lomas
A-PAW-ABLE! Gorgeous corgi's take over London cafe
The Queen's favourite pooches have celebrated the Jubilee in a very special way!
Corgi lover's everywhere congregated at The Refinery Bankside.
The Queen has had more than 30 corgi's in her life.
- Lauren Lomas
WATCH The Queen and Paddington bear here!
The Royal Family's Twitter page shared the touching video, which sent users into a frenzy.
This iconic sketch of the Queen and the nation's beloved Paddington bear has ben shared to The Royal Family's Twitter page.
- Lauren Lomas
Boxing legend Chris Eubank and rocker Cliff Richard aboard 1950s bus for Pageant parade
What an iconic pair!
Cliff Richard serenades the crowds as Brits do the Lambeth walk next to the bus.
- Lauren Lomas
The Queen missing from Jubilee Pagaent
Her Royal Highness the Queen has decided not to attend the Royal box.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are also missing for a second day running from the festivities.
However the Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are seated for the military parade.
Punters are hoping the Queen will appear on the Royal Balcony at the end of the procession.
- Lauren Lomas
Woman met her husband on the day the Queen was crowned
Speaking on the Queen's Pageant, Mary arrived late to her local celebrations and sat next to her husband to be.
The two hit it off as they watched the fireworks together.
He invited her to lunch the following day, and they were engaged just two months after meeting, and are still together today.
- Lauren Lomas
David Beckham: The Queen makes us 'very proud'
The footie legend made an emotional speech about the Queen for the Platinum Pageant.
Becks said he has lived in many different countries, and has travelled the world, and where ever he goes everyone has such nice things to say about the Queen, he said it makes him "so proud."
- Joseph Gamp
Charles says he wants Britain 'to keep togetherness going'
The Prince of Wales said he hopes "bickering" does not return after a feeling of "togetherness" across the nation over the Platinum Jubilee weekend.
Charles and Camilla mingled with guests at the Big Jubilee Lunch in The Oval.
Sarah Friar, CEO of neighbourhood app Nextdoor, was among those to meet the prince and he sat opposite her.
"He said at the end how great it was that everyone comes together this weekend," she said.
"We see it with neighbours, right? I'm from a company called Nextdoor, so people coming together with the best coming out. People who don't know each other are out having fun."
Ms Friar, originally from Sion Mills in Co Tyrone, said that Charles commented: "When it comes to Monday are we going to go back to all the bickering again? Let's hope we don't do that."
Ms Friar said it was "a wonderful thought" for all of us.
Gemma Snow, from the Eden Project, was sitting next to Charles at the lunch for a few minutes and said he talked about "keeping that togetherness going".
- Joseph Gamp
Charles calls Palace Party 'marvellous' as he tucks in to Big Lunch at the Oval
Sarah Friar, 49, CEO of Nextdoor, said the Prince of Wales described Saturday night's concert as "marvellous" during the Big Jubilee Lunch in The Oval.
Local resident Sonia Wilson, 43, also mentioned the Party at the Palace to Charles.
She said: "He said 'I'm sorry to keep you from your lunch'. I said 'no worries, I had my marmalade sandwich'."
Ms Wilson said Charles laughed and replied: "That's a good joke, isn't it?"
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