In Pictures: Queen’s surprise balcony appearance concludes ‘happy celebrations’
Four days of Platinum Jubilee festivities to mark her 70-year reign ended with public acclaim for the monarch at Buckingham Palace.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations have ended with another balcony appearance by the nation’s longest-serving monarch in front of large crowds.
Festivities had got under way with the Queen appearing on the balcony with working members of the family after a Trooping the Colour ceremony where, for the first time, she was represented by the Prince of Wales.
However, mobility issues prevented her from attending Friday’s service at St Paul’s Cathedral, Saturday’s Epsom Derby or the Platinum Party At The Palace although she did kick off the evening with a pre-recorded segment with Paddington Bear, using a tea cup to strike the beat for Queen’s We Will Rock You.
On Sunday, the closing pageant was well under way when the royal standard was raised at Buckingham Palace, signalling a balcony appearance was likely after she had made the trip from Windsor Castle to her London home.
Wearing green, she was joined by close family members including three future monarchs before releasing a statement saying she was humbled and deeply touched by the “happy celebrations” of her 70 years on the throne.
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