A royal gesture of gratitude

Having two bank holidays one after the other was always going to feel like Christmas come early, and now we've even got a televised message from Her Majesty to go with it. After four days and an estimated £32 million ($68 million) worth of celebrations, yesterday evening Ma'am said thanks.

In her broadcast message from Buckingham Palace, the Queen said she had found the jubilee a "humbling experience".

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

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

As for the celebrations themselves, after the bunting, the boats and the Beatle, it was that little wrist that stole the show. More than a million people lined the Mall in the wind and rain to witness its gentle undulation up there on the balcony, and when, finally, it came, the thousands of loyal subjects swarming around the Victoria Memorial erupted with joy.

Earlier, the Queen, Charles, Camilla, Wills, Kate and Harry all attended a thanksgiving service at St Paul's Cathedral.

When they returned to Buckingham Palace, the rain arrived almost exactly on cue. The family emerged on the balcony to the sound of God Save the Queen.

Then the crowds got what they had come for - the wave.

- Independent