Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Jennifer Newton

Queen's emotional final Palace balcony appearance came 'after urgent call' from Charles

Exactly one year ago today, the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations came to a rousing end with what was the highlight for many.

The former monarch mustered all of her strength to join the likes of her son Charles, grandson William and great-grandchildren George, Charlotte and Louis to wave to crowds from the Buckingham Palace balcony.

The Mall was packed as the late Queen, dressed in vibrant green, looked emotional as she greeted fans in what proved to be her final ever appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony.

But it was reported that the historic moment almost didn't even happen - it was only a last-minute phone call from the now King Charles that changed things.

The Queen waves during her final appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony (PA)

It is believed the 96-year-old Queen had not been feeling well in the lead-up to the balcony appearance and had pulled out of several prior engagements.

Whether she would be able to be there or not hung in the balance, but after seeing the crowds that turned out to greet her, Charles is said to have called his mother and urged her to come.

Speaking at the time, a source told the Daily Mail: "The Queen only decided that she would go to London about three hours before the balcony appearance.

The late Queen was joined by some of her other family members (Getty Images)

"She was not feeling brilliant but the Prince of Wales had called her and told her she really ought to come if she could.

"He told her there were so many people desperate to see her and he convinced her to come."

After the outpouring of public affection during her balcony appearance, the Queen said she was "humbled and deeply touched" so many people had taken part in marking her 70-year reign.

The royals on the balcony during King Charles' Coronation last month (AP)

Just three months after that final balcony appearance, the Queen died peacefully at her Scottish home Balmoral - and Charles became King.

Last month, the royals returned to the Buckingham Palace balcony for their first appearance on it since her death.

It came following the Coronation of Charles and Queen Camilla in a historic ceremony at Westminster Abbey.

They were joined by other working members of the Royal Family including the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

And once again it was Prince Louis who stole the show as he banged his fists awaiting the RAF flypast.

As they waited for the scaled-down flypast to start, Louis was seen adorably banging his fists on the balcony, impatiently waiting for it to start amid the rainy weather.

Although after he looked up in awe as she stood beside his sister as the helicopters and the iconic Red Arrows flew overhead.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.