[5] Pre-taped messages of tribute from Sir Paul McCartney and former US First Lady Michelle Obama were also played during the event.

In the sketch, the Queen hosts Paddington Bear (voiced by Ben Whishaw) for tea in honour of the Jubilee.

[14] The Queen spent around half a day filming the sketch at Windsor Castle, and had since kept it a secret from some of her family members.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman stated: "While the Queen may not be attending the concert in person, she was very keen that people understood how much it meant to her and that all those watching had a great time.

[17] The then-Prince of Wales gave a speech at the concert to pay tribute to the Queen's "lifetime of selfless service in pictures, in words and in light".

"The scale of this evening's celebration – and the outpouring of warmth and affection over this whole Jubilee weekend – is our way of saying thank you – from your family, the country, the Commonwealth, in fact the whole world".

[18][19] He said "the Queen is watching these celebrations with much emotion, having, I hope, finished her marmalade sandwich, including immense regret that she cannot be here in person with us this evening.

The drones created several images in the sky including a Union flag, a corgi, a stamp, a cup of tea, the Queen's signature Launer handbag, the number "70" with a crown in the centre of the "0".

The show also delivered a subtle nod to the Queen's love of horse riding, and at the end the drones formed a "Thank you, Ma'am" message.