(Newser)
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Queen Elizabeth waved to massive crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace this afternoon as her Diamond Jubilee celebration came to a close. World War II and Red Arrow aircraft zoomed past the palace in a celebratory flyover to end the extended weekend. Meanwhile, Prince Philip is "feeling better," according to son Prince Edward, who visited him in the hospital today, the BBC notes. Rounding out the celebrations:
- The queen began her day by attending a service at St. Paul's Cathedral, where the Archbishop of Canterbury applauded her dedication to her country and David Cameron gave a reading. She later rode with Charles and Camilla through the streets to Buckingham Palace; William, Kate, and Harry followed.
- President Obama offered a video message to the monarch, calling her "a steadfast ally, loyal friend, and tireless leader," Politico reports. "Michelle and I send you and all the British people and members of the Commonwealth the heartfelt congratulations of the American people."
- But the weekend couldn't end without a bit of controversy: A former top official is demanding an investigation into the security firm that recruited unemployed people as Jubilee stewards. The ex-deputy prime minister is concerned over word that the unpaid workers had to sleep outside, the Guardian reports. Close Protection UK is already contracted for the Olympics.
