London (AP) – With a surprise public appearance by Queen Elizabeth II, the queen’s 70th birthday celebrations have come to an end.

The monarch appeared again on Sunday afternoon in a green coat and matching hat on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, waving to hundreds of thousands of delighted onlookers. His closest relatives were by his side: his son and heir to the throne, Prince Charles, with his wife, Duchess Camilla, and his grandson, Prince William, with family of him. William’s younger brother, Prince Harry, who no longer undertakes royal duties, was absent.

The families had previously seen a colorful parade with more than 10,000 participants in front of the palace. The “Jubilee Pageant” show was performed by the Golden State Coach, the last to travel 20 years ago, including the hologram of the Queen. Afterwards, members of the Army, Navy and Royal Air Force marched down the Mall boulevard, along with 200 horsemen. They were followed by members of numerous clubs who reenacted scenes from the Queen’s 70-year reign.

The change in British society since 1952 was reflected, for example, in the areas of music, fashion and youth culture. Cars from all decades participated. The bottom line should be 150 “national treasures,” including celebrities like football legend Gary Lineker.

Throughout the day, millions of Britons across the country celebrated their head of state at joint picnics. In parks, on boardwalks, in nursing homes, and on the streets, people sat together and shared sandwiches, salads, quiches, and sausage rolls. Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla also attended a “Jubilee Luncheon” at London’s The Oval cricket stadium, with the Queen’s daughter-in-law cutting a cake. At the festival, Charles asked to maintain a sense of community and not to argue again after the four-day celebrations, according to other guests.