The Queen delighted thousands of Pageant-goers when she appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to round off an epic weekend of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee. The 96-year-old monarch was absent for much of the extended Bank Holiday weekend as millions celebrated her 70-year reign.
Surrounded by her family, the Queen was cheered by thousands of well-wishers after stepping onto 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 with many famous faces waving to crowds on open-top buses.
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. She said she remains "committed to serving" the nation to "the best of my ability", after cutting back on her public appearances due to 'discomfort'.
But while appearing for the last time during the weekend of Jubilee events, the Queen looked magnificent in green as she smiled while acknowledging the spectators as she looked down on The Mall where tens of thousands had waited in hope of seeing her following a performance from Ed Sheeran in front of the gates of the London landmark.
The Queen said later in her message: “When it comes to how to mark seventy years as your Queen, there is no guidebook to follow. It really is a first. But I have been humbled and deeply touched that so many people have taken to the streets to celebrate my Platinum Jubilee. While I may not have attended every event in person, my heart has been with you all; and I remain committed to serving you to the best of my ability, supported by my family.
"I have been inspired by the kindness, joy and kinship that has been so evident in recent days, and I hope this renewed sense of togetherness will be felt for many years to come. I thank you most sincerely for your good wishes and for the part you have all played in these happy celebrations."
The Queen was accompanied by her heirs, Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince George, on the balcony. They were also joined by Camilla, the Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis as they waved to well-wishes before a rendition of the National Anthem.
The family then spent a very short time chatting before red, white and blue smoke cannons popped from the stage to mark the end of a one-in-a-lifetime occasion before the royals headed back inside the palace.
And professional lip reader John Cassidy has since revealed to the Mirror why he believes the Queen seemed surprise during her balcony moment, especially at the end of a rousing version of God Save The Queen.
According to Mr Cassidy after the coloured smoke was sent into the air after the end of the anthem, the Queen turned to great-grandson George, who stood at her side, and said: "Ah, brilliant! I didn’t know..."
There was also a sweet moment between siblings Charlotte and George as the seven-year-old Princess can be seen flinching after the cannon went off, prompting Prince George, eight, to turn to her and say: "That made you jump," to which she replied, "That made me jump!"
The Queen had not been seen since she made two balcony appearances on the first day of the Jubilee celebrations, when Trooping the Colour was held on Thursday (June 2) and the Duchess of Cambridge later said she had found the day enjoyable but tiring.
But the Queen looked at ease on the balcony as the celebrations drew to a close, leaning on a walking stick, now a routine aid following her mobility issues, and acknowledging the crowds with a wave. The royal family had planned to see a display by the Red Arrows from their balcony vantage point, but it was called off due to the low clouds which had threatened rain all day.
