There was a deafening roar as the Queen, resplendent in a golden outfit, made her way to the centre of the stage after the finale of her Diamond Jubilee concert.

Just hours earlier her husband Prince Philip had been taken ill, but she soldiered on, holding fast to her stoic sense of duty.

With Gary Barlow leading the way, and Kylie Minogue following close behind, the monarch was flanked by her son Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. They were surrounded on all sides by performers who had just taken part in the concert.

A hush descended over the expectant crowds – 18,000 were watching in front of the Palace, and another 250,000 on screens in St James Park and The Mall – as Charles took the microphone to speak.

"Your Majesty, Mummy," he began, drawing a huge smile from the monarch, who looked visibly moved.

"I'm sure you would like to thank all the wonderful people who made tonight possible."

He added: "If I may say so, thank God the weather turned out fine."

Charles also mentioned Prince Philip, who was unable to attend after being admitted to hospital with a bladder infection.

"The only sad thing is my father couldn't be here," he said. "But if we shout loud enough, he might just hear us."

At this point the audience started chanting "Philip, Philip, Philip".

Charles continued: "You Majesty, a Diamond Jubilee is a huge event and some of us have had the pleasure of celebrating three Jubilees with you – I have the medals to prove it."

"I was only three when my grandfather King George VI died. You were only 26 when you were given such a huge responsibility.

Tonight is a chance for the nation to give thanks... Thanks for making us proud to be British.

He then led the spectators in giving "a resounding three cheers for Her Majesty the Queen."

Before the National Anthem was played, there was a touching moment as Charles kissed his mother's hand.