The Queen delighted Platinum Jubilee revellers by making a much-anticipated Buckingham Palace balcony appearance that set the seal on four days of celebrations. Surrounded by her family, the monarch was cheered by thousands of well-wishers after the Platinum Pageant 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 the 96-year-old head of state. During the Queen’s appearance a choir of celebrities including Sir David Jason, Harry Redknapp, Sir Cliff Richard, Sandie Shaw and Felicity Kendal took part in a mass rendition of God Save The Queen.
The four-day Bank Holiday celebrations brought neighbours, towns and much of the nation together as they marked the 70-year reign of the country’s longest-serving monarch. The Queen’s balcony appearance, closing the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, lasted less than three minutes. During that time the thousands of people on The Mall sang the National Anthem.
