After a successful Platinum Jubilee weekend, Queen Elizabeth has shared a message of gratitude, thanking all that celebrated the historic milestone.
"When it comes to how to mark seventy 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," the Queen began.
She continues, "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 Queen only attended two Platinum Jubilee events in person, the two in which she appeared on Buckingham Palace balcony: Trooping the Colour and the Platinum Jubilee Pageant. She missed several of the events over the course of the weekend, including the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's, the Epsom Derby, and the Platinum Party at the Palace due to her ongoing mobility issues. (Though her presence was felt at the concert in a special short film with Paddington Bear.)
Her family members—including Prince Charles, Princess Anne, and Prince William—stepped in on her behalf throughout the celebration. "I know what really gets my mother up in the morning is all of you—watching at home. Represented here tonight in this great audience," Charles said during his speech at the Jubilee concert.
Though she was not as present during the Jubilee weekend, Queen Elizabeth attended a number of events in the lead-up to the Jubilee weekend, including the Royal Horticultural Society's Chelsea Flower Show and the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
She ended her message saying she has been inspired by the "joy" she's seen, and thanks all those for their participation in the celebrations. "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."
She signed the message Elizabeth R., which stands for "regina," which means queen in Latin.
Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, celebrities, the royals, and a wide range of other topics. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram.
