Queen 'struggled to not be overcome by tears' and used 'all her will power' to avoid breaking down in public for the first time in her life as she greeted thousands of admirers on Buckingham Palace balcony, body language expert says
- Body expert spoke about the Queen's appearence on balony at end of Jubilee
- Judi James said Her Majesty was looking like she was 'struggling' with her tears
- She added Monarch, 96, was using all 'her will power' to avoid breaking down
- The emotional day marked her 70th year as Queen, making her the longest reigning Monarch in British history
- Latest Platinum Jubilee news as the Queen celebrates 70 years of service
By CHARLOTTE MCLAUGHLIN FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 08:58 AEST, 6 June 2022 | UPDATED: 11:46 AEST, 6 June 2022
The Queen is believed to have 'struggled to not be overcome by tears' as she greeted thousands of Jubilee well wishers from the balcony at Buckingham Palace.
In an emotional end to the four-day Platinum Jubilee, which marked her 70th year as Queen, the Monarch could be seen 'narrowing' her eyes to avoid 'breaking down', body language expert Judi James said.
The longest reigning Monarch in British history appeared for three minutes on the balcony as she maintained she was 'committed to serving' the nation to 'the best of my ability'.
While there Ms James analysed her body language and said the Queen was using 'all her will power' to avoid breaking down in public for the first time in her life.
She said the clear signs of this could be seen in the Queen's eyes and her lips being 'sucked' as she stood on the most famous balcony in the world.
Surrounded by her family, including Prince Charles, Camilla, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, George, Charlotte and Louis, she was cheered by thousands of well-wishers after stepping on to the balcony following the Platinum Pageant.
The parade told the story of her life, and the nation, with an eccentric, fun and imaginative carnival-like display which the Monarch missed along with many Jubilee events.
The Queen (pictured on the balcony) is believed to have 'struggled to not be overcome by tears' as she gave her address to thousands of admirers on Buckingham Palace balcony, a body language expert has said
In an emotional end to the four-day Platinum Jubilee which marked her 70th year as Queen, making her the longest reigning Monarch in British history, she thanked the nation
Camilla, Prince Charles, Prince George, Prince William, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Kate stand with the Queen during the Platinum Pageant on June 5
Judi James, body language expert, said: 'Forget some of the rare occasions when the Queen has been judged to be crying in the past, they have often involved nothing more than moist eyes which can be prompted by the cold weather or even age.
'This balcony appearance produced more congruent signs that she might have been struggling not to be overcome by tears.
'Her eyes narrowed, with a lifting of the under-eye and she sucked her lips in to suggest she was using all her will power to avoid breaking down in public for the first time in her life.'
The Queen also smiled as she acknowledged the spectators, and looked down on The Mall where tens of thousands had waited in hope of seeing her.
The Queen said later in her message: '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.
'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.
During the three minutes she was on the balcony, expert Judi James explained, the Queen was using 'all her will power' to avoid breaking down in public for the first time in her life
Revellers react as Queen Elizabeth II appears on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London, Sunday June 5
'This balcony appearance produced more congruent signs that she might have been struggling not to be overcome by tears,' Judi James said
'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.'
After the national anthem was sung by a choir of celebrities including Sir David Jason, Harry Redknapp, Sir Cliff Richard, Sandie Shaw and Felicity Kendal, the Queen waved again at well-wishers.
She stood beside her son Prince Charles, on left, while Prince George, in front of his father, and Prince William were on right close by with the rest of the Cambridges.
Expert Ms James added: 'Here we can see her possibly pick up on her great grandmother's mood during the National Anthem as she turns to check she is ok.
'It was a defining moment. The Queen stood in a line of continuity, next to her direct heir and his grandson George.
'The choreography had clearly been planned to be iconic, with William gently re-directing his son Louis who tried to get next to his beloved great grandmother again as he had on their first balcony appearance.
'William stood back to allow George, who appears to have grown up in front of our eyes over the past four days, to stand to attention and to throw one very large and affectionate smile at the Queen as she turned to go back into the palace.'
The Platinum Jubilee Pageant was an afternoon of entertainment for members of the royal family, who all sat together alongside their siblings and cousins.
Prince Louis, the youngest child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, moved around a little, cosying up to both his parents and his grandfather the Prince of Wales.
At one point, Charles rocked his four-year-old grandson from side to side on his lap.
Louis joined his big brother and sister, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, in the royal box.
The Queen, Prince Charles and the Cambridges appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony, June 5, 2022
As George stood for part of the parade, he mirrored his father William, both adjusting the front of their jackets at the same time. He was also spotted resting his head on his hand during the show.
Lasting two and a half hours, it was not surprising that restlessness may have set in for the younger spectators.
Zara Tindall watched the pageant with three-year-old daughter Lena on her lap, while her other daughter Mia, eight, sat on her father Mike's lap and had her arm around his neck.
At one point, little Lena sat on her 11-year-old cousin Savannah Phillips's lap. Princess Eugenie could be seen bouncing her son August on her knee. The one-year-old was wearing a jumper with a Union flag on the front.
Later, Eugenie posted pictures and videos on Instagram showing August, her husband Jack Brooksbank, and her view of the pageant.
Meanwhile, the Princess Royal, 71, looked happy as she sat next to her brother Charles and clapped along to Kool & The Gang's Celebration.
Those joining the royal family included Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.