OUR FAITHFUL QUEEN 'I HAVE BEEN HUMBLED AND TOUCHED

THE QUEEN SENDS AN EMOTIONAL MESSAGE TO THE NATION AFTER MAKING HER FINAL APPEARANCE FOR HER PLATINUM JUBILEE

- GEORGIA TREVITT

The Queen delighted fans as she appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, overlooking The Mall, on the last day of her historic Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The 96-year-old monarch had missed out on a string of events over the Bank Holiday weekend due to ongoing mobility issues, but she made a final return on Sunday 5 June following the Platinum Jubilee Pageant.

Surrounded on the balcony by her family including the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as well as Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis- the Queen was greeted by cheering crowds.

Her Majesty, who wore a green Stewart Parvin dress paired with a matching green hat by Rachel Trevor-Morgan, was seen smiling and waving as she acknowledged well-wishers before the National Anthem was sung.

She later said in a message, "When it comes to how to mark 70 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."

The statement ended, "I thank you most sincerely for your good wishes and for the part you have all played in these happy celebrations."

The royal family's appearance, which lasted less than three minutes, came shortly after the Royal Standard was raised above the residence just after 4.30pm, indicating that the Queen had arrived at the palace from Windsor Castle.