The Queen was said to be “tearful and overwhelmed with emotion” during the finale of her Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Having missed some events during the long weekend of events marking her 70-year reign due to feeling unwell, the decision to attend the last day of the Jubilee was made with just hours to spare.
Despite "not feeling brilliant", the monarch was persuaded to attend and an insider claims that the huge outpouring of thanks from the British public and overseas left the Queen with “tears in her eyes”.
Having travelled from Windsor to London at the 11th hour, the Queen appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the pageant and was astonished by the goodwill and warmth shown to her.
Thousands of people lined the Mall to catch a glimpse of the Royal Family, with crowds waving Union Jacks and cheering as the Queen appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
A source told the Daily Mail : “The Queen was totally overwhelmed by the number of people waiting to see her – she had tears in her eyes before she stepped out on the balcony.”
The appearance was carefully planned so that the 96-year-old monarch was flanked by those who will succeed her - Prince Charles and Prince William - with Prince George also prominent.
It is unclear whether all four generations of the monarchy will be seen again at such an important event.
The Queen is expected to make an increasing number of appearances digitally via video call from now on.
A source added: “Over time, the Queen will revert to becoming a more virtual Queen with digital appearances and video calls.”
She is expected to spend the summer at the Balmoral Estate, where Craigowan Lodge has been adapted with a stairlift and other mobility aides.
After the event the Queen issued a personal message of thanks.
She said: “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.”
