Queen Elizabeth II waved to tens of thousands of cheering crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace on Sunday, delighting fans who had hoped to catch a glimpse of her during the final day of festivities honoring the monarch’s 70 years — the longest reign of any English monarch with a British-style Platinum Jubilee celebration.
However, the 96-year-old Monarch has reduced her activities due to mobility issues in recent months. Before Sunday, the Queen had only made two public appearances throughout the four-day holiday weekend. Officials stated that she felt “discomfort” throughout the events.
Therefore, during the London road pageant, the Queen appeared as a hologram waving to the audience from the Gold State Coach, among a wide variety of dancers, Daleks, and Hazard Mouse.
The coach, accompanied by guardsmen on horseback in one of the star moments of the Platinum Jubilee festivities, exhibited vintage footage of Her Majesty, making it feel as if she was inside.
Following the completion of the pageant, the Queen congratulated Britain for her outstanding Platinum Jubilee festivities. In a 130-word personal letter to the country, Her Majesty stated that “there is no guidebook to follow,” emphasizing that “it really is a first.”
“When it comes to how to mark 70 years as your Queen, there is no guidebook to follow,” she said. “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.”
The letter came after a heartwarming surprise Buckingham Palace balcony appearance in which the Queen smiled and waved to huge crowds with her three heirs, capping off a show full of pomp and magnificence.
“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 all most sincerely for your good wishes and for the part you have all played in these happy celebrations,” the Monarch added.
On the whole, such a blend of the old and the new is intriguing, especially coming from such a classic and old-style institution as the British monarchy.
