Queen Elizabeth II Surprises Crowd With Buckingham Palace Balcony Appearance

Queen Elizabeth II made an unplanned appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on the final day of her jubilee Sunday, per CNN.

Joined by Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, Prince William and his wife Kate, as well as their three children, the Queen waved to the crowd as “God Save the Queen” was played by the Royal Marines Band. The Queen was last seen on Thursday after she started experiencing “some discomfort,” according to Buckingham Palace.

The Queen skipped the festivities on Friday and Saturday, which included a taped appearance in a sketch with Paddington Bear and concert featuring performances by Elton John, Diana Ross, and more. Among those who took the stage was Alicia Keys, who left the audience befuddled by her decision to sing “Empire State of Mind.” As one concergoer wondered, “Why is Alicia Keys singing about how amazing New York City is at an event to celebrate the Queen? Maybe choose another song.”

“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,” Queen Elizabeth II said in a statement, per the Washington Post. “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.”