Thanks for following our live coverage of the final day of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
We've had incredible cake creations, celebrities on open-top buses and a special appearance by the Queen on Buckingham Palace's balcony. And that was just today.
As celebrations come to a close, a thank you message from the Queen has come from Buckingham Palace.
She says: "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."
Queen's appearance caps off final day of long weekend
PA MediaCopyright: PA Media
The Queen delighted Platinum Jubilee revellers by making a much-anticipated Buckingham Palace balcony appearance that set the seal on four days of celebrations.
It followed the Platinum Pageant which told the story of her life, and the nation, with an eccentric, fun and imaginative carnival-like display.
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 Prince of Wales attended one of many Big Jubilee Lunches to mark the final day of the celebrations commemorating the Queen's reign.
'I'm really happy I came to see it in person'
Jon Kelly
Reporting from the Mall
On the Mall, the crowd are delivering their verdicts on the pageant.
Eleojo Achimugu from north-west London was surprised by how much she enjoyed the whole spectacle.
“I thought it was more fun than I was expecting,” she says.
“In particular I really liked the diversity of it. It was good to catch a glimpse of the Royal Family, too.”
Iain Bott from London adds: “I’m really happy I came to see it in person. It’s a huge occasion.
"For the Queen to still be doing this after 70 years really is exceptional.”
BBCCopyright: BBC
Sculptor creates tiny royal coach fitting inside a needle's eye
PA MediaCopyright: PA Media
A model of the gold State Coach which fits inside the eye of a needleImage caption: A model of the gold State Coach which fits inside the eye of a needle
Microsculptor Dr Willard Wigan has created the "tiniest, biggest
tribute" for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee - a microscopic model of the
Queen's gold State Coach, which she travelled in for her coronation, PA
reports.
The 65-year-old put together more than 200 parts under a microscope to
create the work, which he hopes to take on a nationwide tour.
Dr Wigan, who was diagnosed with autism when he was 50 years old,
describes the model as "the hardest thing I've ever done".
"Having autism has given me a superpower to be able to do things
other people can't," he says.
The
West-Midlands-based sculptor was awarded an MBE for services to art in 2007 and
previously carved the Queen's head on to a coffee bean for
the monarch's Diamond Jubilee.
Queen's appearance 'finished up perfect four days'
Jon Kelly
Reporting on the Mall
For those gathered in front of Buckingham Palace today, the appearance of the Queen on the balcony was the moment that capped off the weekend.
“It was really special,” says Louise Kiteley, 57, from Grendon, Warwickshire.
“I think it finished up perfectly what had been a perfect four days.”
The Queen’s broad smile as she waved to the crowd suggests the monarch felt the same, Louise believes.
“She seems to have enjoyed it immensely. And it must also have been a relief to her that everything went so smoothly.”
BBCCopyright: BBC
Louise (right) with Sue Clarke, 66, from Stoke Poges, BucksImage caption: Louise (right) with Sue Clarke, 66, from Stoke Poges, Bucks
Being with the royals the grandest honour, says Sir Cliff
PA MediaCopyright: PA Media
Sir Cliff Richard appeared on a bus with Chris Eubank and Katherine JenkinsImage caption: Sir Cliff Richard appeared on a bus with Chris Eubank and Katherine Jenkins
Celebrities who were part of the pageant have been telling the BBC how excited they were to be a part of the Jubilee celebrations.
Sir Cliff Richard says it still feels like an honour to be around the Royal Family, decades after first doing so.
"Every time you have to be with royalty, all those moments are great because all these years later, it still feels like the grandest honour," he says.
"Where else in the world can you get a chance to do something like this?"
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Supermodel Naomi Campbell, who appeared in the parade's 1990s-themed open top bus, says she is "so honoured to be here today".
"It has been a great and amazing day... to salute the Queen who has given herself selflessly to this nation and the world and the Commonwealth."
In pictures: Queen waves from Palace balcony
The Queen's balcony appearance, closing the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, lasted just a few minutes.
During that time, she waved to the crowds and the thousands of people on The Mall sang the national anthem.
PA MediaCopyright: PA Media
PA MediaCopyright: PA Media
PA MediaCopyright: PA Media
Young royals appear in palace window
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Shortly before the Queen's appearance, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were seen peering through the window at the scene outside.
They had just finished watching the pageant - which saw Louis struggling to sit still, and being bounded on his grandfather, Prince Charles's knee, at one point.
They joined in the national anthem as they stood alongside their great grandmother, before heading back indoors with her.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Analysis
Queen's appearance gives us an image for the ages
Sean Coughlan
BBC News, royal correspondent
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
So the Queen appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace
for the final act of the Jubilee.
There was rapturous applause from a crowd who were
surprised as well as delighted to see her.
After so many concerns about her health there had been
doubts about her being there.
The Red Arrows didn’t make it, because of the weather,
but she made it. It seemed appropriate for such a tenacious monarch.
She arrived at the end of the pageant. That parade had
been an hallucinogenic Jubilee cocktail of music, puppets, dancers, classic
cars and even older celebrities.
It was baffling, brilliant and bonkers.
The Queen’s appearance had its own symbolism, accompanied
by those who will follow her - Prince Charles and Camilla, Prince William and
Catherine and their children.
It felt like a bit of history and an image we’ll see in
the years ahead.
The Queen smiles and waves to crowds
Video content
Video caption: Platinum Jubilee: The Queen waves from Buckingham Palace balcony for pageantPlatinum Jubilee: The Queen waves from Buckingham Palace balcony for pageant
It was a brief appearance from the Queen - she smiled and waved at the crowds gathered outside the palace before heading back inside.
The 96-year-old monarch had been unable to appear at Friday and Saturday's events after experiencing mobility problems in recent months.
But outside the UK,
there have been longer reigning monarchs: France's Louis XIV, who ruled for more than 72
years from the age of four, and Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej who was on the
throne for more than 70 years (and more days than the Queen).
BreakingQueen expected to appear on balcony
We understand the Queen is expected to appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony in a short while after the Royal Standard was raised above the residence.
Video content
Video caption: Watch: Royal Standard raised above Buckingham PalaceWatch: Royal Standard raised above Buckingham Palace
Impressive Bridgewater Carnival float up next
BBCCopyright: BBC
The impressive Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival float has been making its way down The Mall.
At 100ft long, the cart has been designed to reflect various regal elements of the monarchy, including the royal crest, crowns and royal carriages, with additional links to the commonwealth.
It contains over 40 engineered moving parts and 18 spectacularly crafted models.
Real buzz in Edinburgh as Scots enjoy pageant
BBCCopyright: BBC
A real buzz this afternoon in the Scottish capital.
As we mentioned earlier, people in Edinburgh have been treated to live music and entertainment in gardens beneath Edinburgh Castle as part of celebrations for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
The good weather and music seemed to have brought many out for the day, with some attendees admitting they were somewhat neutral on the Jubilee celebrations.
Those attending the free event in West Princes Street Gardens have been able to watch the Platinum Jubilee Pageant broadcast live from London, which was shown on big screens.
The celebration, which saw attendees enjoying picnics in the sun, kicked off at 12:30 BST with the band of HM Royal Marines Scotland and a special Edinburgh Festival Carnival parade.
Music from the HM Royal Marines Scotland band included their Corps of Drums, film music, Scottish melodies and virtuoso soloists.
The local Love Music Community Choir have also performed.
Along the Mall the crowds are several people deep
Jon Kelly
BBC News
.Copyright: .
Spectators strain to see the parade as it makes its way past.
But no one is complaining that the view isn’t as good as if they’d
stayed at home to watch on television.
"It's ok to not see everything," says Anna Ilexia, 25, from
London.
"It's all about the ambience and the atmosphere."
Paminder Bhangoo, 46, an optician from Bedfordshire, agrees.
"Everybody knows they're watching something special," she
says.
"It's just so nice to see so many people enjoying themselves."
Paminder was especially pleased to watch the sections reflecting Indian
culture.
"It's
representing us – it's so wonderful to be included," she says.
Jon KellyCopyright: Jon Kelly
Anna Ilexia, 25, from LondonImage caption: Anna Ilexia, 25, from London
Jon KellyCopyright: Jon Kelly
Paminder with Sandeep Singh and son Jaiveer, age fourImage caption: Paminder with Sandeep Singh and son Jaiveer, age four
Bringing up the rear
And here's what we don't always see at those big public events: a regiment of street cleaning vehicles to brush away what the horses left behind at the end of the parade.
They came past a few seconds after the final round of the armed forces procession and the more than 250 horses which took part in the event.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Red Arrows cancel flypast
We had been expected the RAF Red Arrows to fly past Buckingham Palace at
the end of the pageant - but this has now been cancelled due to bad weather.
The aerobatics display team thrilled the crowds as they zoomed overhead
during Thursday's Trooping of the Colour.
We're still
expecting Ed Sheeran to sing the national anthem at the end of the parade. And
there is still the possibility that we may see the Queen again on the Palace
balcony.
Live Reporting
Jasmine Taylor-Coleman, Thomas Mackintosh, Jack Burgess and James Clarke
All times stated are UK
Get involved
![The Queen on Buckingham Palace balcony at Jubilee celebrations](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
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BBCCopyright: BBC ![A close-up of a miniature Queen's Coronation Carriage inside the eye of a needle](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
PA MediaCopyright: PA Media A model of the gold State Coach which fits inside the eye of a needleImage caption: A model of the gold State Coach which fits inside the eye of a needle ![](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/96/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2022/5/31/99012e9a-2c9b-4889-982a-519b982533f9.jpg)
![Louise (right) with Sue Clarke, 66, from Stoke Poges, Bucks](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
BBCCopyright: BBC Louise (right) with Sue Clarke, 66, from Stoke Poges, BucksImage caption: Louise (right) with Sue Clarke, 66, from Stoke Poges, Bucks ![Sir Cliff Richard on a bus with Chris Eubank and Katherine Jenkins as part of the Jubilee pageant](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
PA MediaCopyright: PA Media Sir Cliff Richard appeared on a bus with Chris Eubank and Katherine JenkinsImage caption: Sir Cliff Richard appeared on a bus with Chris Eubank and Katherine Jenkins ![Naomi Campbell](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
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![The Queen and other royals on the balcony of Buckingham Palace](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
ReutersCopyright: Reuters Video caption: Platinum Jubilee: The Queen waves from Buckingham Palace balcony for pageantPlatinum Jubilee: The Queen waves from Buckingham Palace balcony for pageant ![Queen, Prince Charles and Camilla, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their three children.](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images ![Ed Sheeran](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
BBCCopyright: BBC ![Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is shown around the Victorian Vision exhibition, at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London in April 2001](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
PA MediaCopyright: PA Media - British monarchs with the longest reign
Video caption: Watch: Royal Standard raised above Buckingham PalaceWatch: Royal Standard raised above Buckingham Palace ![Bridgewater Carnival](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
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![Crowds line the Mall as the parade makes its way toward the palace](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
.Copyright: . ![Anna Ilexia, 25, from London](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
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Jon KellyCopyright: Jon Kelly Paminder with Sandeep Singh and son Jaiveer, age fourImage caption: Paminder with Sandeep Singh and son Jaiveer, age four ![Street cleaning vehicles at the end of the Jubilee Pageant](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
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Latest PostThank you and goodbye
Thanks for following our live coverage of the final day of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
We've had incredible cake creations, celebrities on open-top buses and a special appearance by the Queen on Buckingham Palace's balcony. And that was just today.
We're ending this live coverage now but you can find lots more about the past four day's events on the front page of the BBC News website.
Queen 'humbled and deeply touched'
As celebrations come to a close, a thank you message from the Queen has come from Buckingham Palace.
She says: "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."
Queen's appearance caps off final day of long weekend
The Queen delighted Platinum Jubilee revellers by making a much-anticipated Buckingham Palace balcony appearance that set the seal on four days of celebrations.
It followed the Platinum Pageant which told the story of her life, and the nation, with an eccentric, fun and imaginative carnival-like display.
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 Prince of Wales attended one of many Big Jubilee Lunches to mark the final day of the celebrations commemorating the Queen's reign.
'I'm really happy I came to see it in person'
Jon Kelly
Reporting from the Mall
On the Mall, the crowd are delivering their verdicts on the pageant.
Eleojo Achimugu from north-west London was surprised by how much she enjoyed the whole spectacle. “I thought it was more fun than I was expecting,” she says.
“In particular I really liked the diversity of it. It was good to catch a glimpse of the Royal Family, too.”
Iain Bott from London adds: “I’m really happy I came to see it in person. It’s a huge occasion.
"For the Queen to still be doing this after 70 years really is exceptional.”
Sculptor creates tiny royal coach fitting inside a needle's eye
Microsculptor Dr Willard Wigan has created the "tiniest, biggest tribute" for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee - a microscopic model of the Queen's gold State Coach, which she travelled in for her coronation, PA reports.
The 65-year-old put together more than 200 parts under a microscope to create the work, which he hopes to take on a nationwide tour.
Dr Wigan, who was diagnosed with autism when he was 50 years old, describes the model as "the hardest thing I've ever done".
"Having autism has given me a superpower to be able to do things other people can't," he says.
The West-Midlands-based sculptor was awarded an MBE for services to art in 2007 and previously carved the Queen's head on to a coffee bean for the monarch's Diamond Jubilee.
Queen's appearance 'finished up perfect four days'
Jon Kelly
Reporting on the Mall
For those gathered in front of Buckingham Palace today, the appearance of the Queen on the balcony was the moment that capped off the weekend.
“It was really special,” says Louise Kiteley, 57, from Grendon, Warwickshire.
“I think it finished up perfectly what had been a perfect four days.”
The Queen’s broad smile as she waved to the crowd suggests the monarch felt the same, Louise believes.
“She seems to have enjoyed it immensely. And it must also have been a relief to her that everything went so smoothly.”
Being with the royals the grandest honour, says Sir Cliff
Celebrities who were part of the pageant have been telling the BBC how excited they were to be a part of the Jubilee celebrations.
Sir Cliff Richard says it still feels like an honour to be around the Royal Family, decades after first doing so.
"Every time you have to be with royalty, all those moments are great because all these years later, it still feels like the grandest honour," he says.
"Where else in the world can you get a chance to do something like this?"
Supermodel Naomi Campbell, who appeared in the parade's 1990s-themed open top bus, says she is "so honoured to be here today".
"It has been a great and amazing day... to salute the Queen who has given herself selflessly to this nation and the world and the Commonwealth."
In pictures: Queen waves from Palace balcony
The Queen's balcony appearance, closing the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, lasted just a few minutes.
During that time, she waved to the crowds and the thousands of people on The Mall sang the national anthem.
Young royals appear in palace window
Shortly before the Queen's appearance, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were seen peering through the window at the scene outside.
They had just finished watching the pageant - which saw Louis struggling to sit still, and being bounded on his grandfather, Prince Charles's knee, at one point.
They joined in the national anthem as they stood alongside their great grandmother, before heading back indoors with her.
Queen's appearance gives us an image for the ages
Sean Coughlan
BBC News, royal correspondent
So the Queen appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace for the final act of the Jubilee.
There was rapturous applause from a crowd who were surprised as well as delighted to see her.
After so many concerns about her health there had been doubts about her being there.
The Red Arrows didn’t make it, because of the weather, but she made it. It seemed appropriate for such a tenacious monarch.
She arrived at the end of the pageant. That parade had been an hallucinogenic Jubilee cocktail of music, puppets, dancers, classic cars and even older celebrities.
It was baffling, brilliant and bonkers.
The Queen’s appearance had its own symbolism, accompanied by those who will follow her - Prince Charles and Camilla, Prince William and Catherine and their children.
It felt like a bit of history and an image we’ll see in the years ahead.
The Queen smiles and waves to crowds
Video content
It was a brief appearance from the Queen - she smiled and waved at the crowds gathered outside the palace before heading back inside.
The 96-year-old monarch had been unable to appear at Friday and Saturday's events after experiencing mobility problems in recent months.
She was however seen inspecting troops on the Buckingham Palace balcony on Thursday and also made a surprise pre-recorded appearance in a comedy sketch with Paddington Bear.
The Queen appears on Buckingham Palace balcony
The Queen appears on the palace balcony in front of a huge crowd lining the Mall, at the end of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
She is with Prince Charles and Camilla, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their three children.
Ed Sheeran takes to the stage
Ed Sheeran is now singing in front of Buckingham Palace.
He is expected to lead a special tribute to the Queen, and the public around the palace will be invited to sing the national anthem.
Queen's record-breaking Jubilee
Alexandra Fouché
BBC News Live reporter
The Queen, at the age of 96, is the UK's longest reigning monarch.
She has been on the throne for 70 years since 1952, which allows Britain to celebrate a royal Platinum Jubilee for the first time.
She is followed by Queen Victoria who reigned from June 1837 till her death in January 1901, for a total of 63 years and seven months.
Behind them are George III who reigned for 59 years.
But outside the UK, there have been longer reigning monarchs: France's Louis XIV, who ruled for more than 72 years from the age of four, and Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej who was on the throne for more than 70 years (and more days than the Queen).
BreakingQueen expected to appear on balcony
We understand the Queen is expected to appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony in a short while after the Royal Standard was raised above the residence.
Video content
Impressive Bridgewater Carnival float up next
The impressive Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival float has been making its way down The Mall.
At 100ft long, the cart has been designed to reflect various regal elements of the monarchy, including the royal crest, crowns and royal carriages, with additional links to the commonwealth.
It contains over 40 engineered moving parts and 18 spectacularly crafted models.
Real buzz in Edinburgh as Scots enjoy pageant
A real buzz this afternoon in the Scottish capital.
As we mentioned earlier, people in Edinburgh have been treated to live music and entertainment in gardens beneath Edinburgh Castle as part of celebrations for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
The good weather and music seemed to have brought many out for the day, with some attendees admitting they were somewhat neutral on the Jubilee celebrations.
Those attending the free event in West Princes Street Gardens have been able to watch the Platinum Jubilee Pageant broadcast live from London, which was shown on big screens.
The celebration, which saw attendees enjoying picnics in the sun, kicked off at 12:30 BST with the band of HM Royal Marines Scotland and a special Edinburgh Festival Carnival parade.
Music from the HM Royal Marines Scotland band included their Corps of Drums, film music, Scottish melodies and virtuoso soloists.
The local Love Music Community Choir have also performed.
Along the Mall the crowds are several people deep
Jon Kelly
BBC News
Spectators strain to see the parade as it makes its way past.
But no one is complaining that the view isn’t as good as if they’d stayed at home to watch on television.
"It's ok to not see everything," says Anna Ilexia, 25, from London.
"It's all about the ambience and the atmosphere."
Paminder Bhangoo, 46, an optician from Bedfordshire, agrees.
"Everybody knows they're watching something special," she says.
"It's just so nice to see so many people enjoying themselves."
Paminder was especially pleased to watch the sections reflecting Indian culture.
"It's representing us – it's so wonderful to be included," she says.
Bringing up the rear
And here's what we don't always see at those big public events: a regiment of street cleaning vehicles to brush away what the horses left behind at the end of the parade.
They came past a few seconds after the final round of the armed forces procession and the more than 250 horses which took part in the event.
Red Arrows cancel flypast
We had been expected the RAF Red Arrows to fly past Buckingham Palace at the end of the pageant - but this has now been cancelled due to bad weather.
The aerobatics display team thrilled the crowds as they zoomed overhead during Thursday's Trooping of the Colour.
We're still expecting Ed Sheeran to sing the national anthem at the end of the parade. And there is still the possibility that we may see the Queen again on the Palace balcony.