The Queen has described the celebrations held in honour of her Diamond Jubilee as a “humbling experience”.

In a televised address to Britain and the Commonwealth, the Queen said she hoped memories of the weekend would “brighten our lives for many years to come”.

“The events that I have attended to mark my Diamond Jubilee have been a humbling experience. It has touched me deeply to see so many thousands of families, neighbours and friends celebrating together in such a happy atmosphere,” she said.

She added: “I will continue to treasure and draw inspiration from the countless kindnesses shown to me in this country and throughout the Commonwealth. Thank you all.”

The four days of celebration included a flotilla of 1,000 boats along the Thames, a star-studded pop concert in front of Buckingham Palace, and a flypast by World War II aircraft and the Red Arrows watched by the Royal Family from the balcony of the palace.

Yesterday, the Queen attended a service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral in which the Archbishop of Canterbury praised her “lifelong dedication” to the nation.

Her consort, Prince Philip, was absent from the final day of celebrations as he remains in hospital with a bladder infection.