Diamond Jubilee: Queen 'humbled' by celebrations

The Queen has called her Diamond Jubilee "a humbling experience", saying she had been "touched deeply" by seeing so many people celebrating together.

In a message to the nation, she thanked all those who organised the events.

Festivities culminated in an appearance by the senior royals on the Buckingham Palace balcony in front of huge crowds to watch an RAF flypast.

But the Queen's consort, Prince Philip, was absent from her side as he remains in hospital with a bladder infection.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex <link> <caption>visited the Duke of Edinburgh on Tuesday afternoon</caption> <url href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18328948" platform="highweb"/> </link> .

Afterwards, Prince Edward said: "He's feeling better." The countess added: "He's in good spirits; he's on good form."

'Happy atmosphere'

The Queen's message was broadcast on television and radio across the UK and Commonwealth.

"The events that I have attended to mark my Diamond Jubilee have been a humbling experience," she said.

"It has touched me deeply to see so many thousands of families, neighbours and friends celebrating together in such a happy atmosphere.

"But Prince Philip and I want to take this opportunity to offer our special thanks and appreciation to all those who have had a hand in organising these Jubilee celebrations.

"It has been a massive challenge, and I am sure that everyone who has enjoyed these festive occasions realises how much work has been involved."

She added: "I hope that memories of all this year's happy events will brighten our lives for many years to come.

"I will continue to treasure and draw inspiration from the countless kindnesses shown to me in this country and throughout the Commonwealth. Thank you all."

Commonwealth leaders

The Queen will continue to mark her Diamond Jubilee on Wednesday after four days of public celebrations.

She will attend a lunch for the anniversary at Marlborough House in Pall Mall in central London with Commonwealth leaders, including prime ministers, governor generals and high commission representatives.

The Queen had been due to be accompanied at the event by the Duke of Edinburgh.

On Tuesday, the Queen attended a thanksgiving service at St Paul's Cathedral where Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams <link> <caption>paid tribute to her "lifelong dedication"</caption> <url href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18330637" platform="highweb"/> </link> .

"I don't think it's at all fanciful to say that, in all her public engagements, our Queen has shown a quality of joy in the happiness of others," he said.

David Cameron, who gave <link> <caption>a reading at the service</caption> <url href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18329521" platform="highweb"/> </link> , called her "a real inspiration".

"We have seen the country come together with a sense of celebration and unity but also tremendous resilience, resilience from people who want to celebrate despite the weather and resilience, of course, from Her Majesty - nothing stops her doing the job she does," the prime minister said.

US President Barack Obama was among those who paid tribute to her "60 extraordinary years".

In a specially recorded message he <link> <caption>called the Queen "a steadfast ally, loyal friend and tireless leader"</caption> <url href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18333391" platform="highweb"/> </link> and said she had been "the chief source of resilience" for the unique alliance between his country and the UK throughout her reign.

In other Jubilee events on Tuesday:

• Crowds gathered from early morning <link> <caption>to cheer the Queen on her journey</caption> <url href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18329520" platform="highweb"/> </link> from Buckingham Palace to St Paul's

• The <link> <caption>congregation at the cathedral</caption> <url href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18328158" platform="highweb"/> </link> included a large representation from the government, military personnel and members of the royal household, alongside diplomats and foreign leaders

• After the service, the Queen attended a reception at nearby Mansion House - the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London

• The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry were at a similar event at the Guildhall

• All of the senior royals then <link> <caption>enjoyed a lunch at Westminster Hall</caption> <url href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18331468" platform="highweb"/> </link> before embarking on a carriage procession through packed streets back to the palace

• The day ended in an appearance by the senior royals on the palace balcony to watch a flypast by World War II aircraft and the Red arrows

Other events during the extended Jubilee weekend included a <link> <caption>star-studded concert</caption> <url href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18326333" platform="highweb"/> </link> outside Buckingham Palace on Monday night.

At the end the Queen came on to the stage to press a diamond-shaped crystal into a pod, igniting a beacon in The Mall to mark her 60 years on the throne. It was one of more than 4,000 lit across the UK and the Commonwealth.

On Sunday, about a thousand boats took part in the <link> <caption>Diamond Jubilee Thames River Pageant</caption> <url href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18320076" platform="highweb"/> </link> , the first of its kind for 350 years.

See all the latest Diamond Jubilee news and features at <link> <caption>bbc.co.uk/diamondjubilee</caption> <url href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17500000" platform="highweb"/> </link>