The following month, Prince Charles was at the Queen's side for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, which were due to culminate with her appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. By then, however, she wasn't feeling strong enough. While understanding, Charles felt it imperative that his mother should be there to acknowledge the crowds, so he implored her to make a massive effort.
The Queen agreed. On her insistence, a military-style exercise was put in place so that no one could see she was having to use a wheelchair. In considerable discomfort, Her Majesty was taken by wheelchair to the helicopter pad at Windsor.
At the Palace, she was wheeled right up to the balcony doors, then helped to her feet so that she could stand – with the aid of a walking stick – alongside Charles and Camilla, plus William and his family.
After a firework display, the Queen smiled with delight. It was her last salute to her people. In her final week, the monarch, more frail than ever, insisted on personally welcoming new Prime Minister Liz Truss to Balmoral for the 'kissing hands' ceremony.