There was time for one last wave - and then she was gone.
Just as the Queen and Prince Philip reached the top of the stairs to board their flight yesterday they both turned around with beaming smiles and waved goodbye to the people of Bermuda.
It may be the last time the royal couple set foot on the island - but their visit will live long in the memory of islanders.
Hundreds descended on the airport to say farewell. The royals were joined by Governor Sir Richard Gozney and Lady Gozney as well as Premier Ewart Brown and his wife Wanda Henton Brown on the tarmac.
Deanna Smith and her family travelled from Pembroke to bid the royal party farewell.
Mrs Smith, 46, said: "It's been great having her here. It's just a shame she could not stay for longer.
"The people of Bermuda still hold the Queen very close to their hearts and it's always special to be in the presence of royalty."
Raymond De Shields watched on as the royal flight took off in to the blue horizon. Mr. De Shields, 76, of Pembroke, said: "I was in England at the Coronation and I have seen her four times since then. But I wanted to come out and say goodbye today.
"I have great respect for royalty and it has been our pleasure to have the Queen here."
The royal party is bound for Trinidad and Tobago to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.
