The Queen made her first
public outing since the Platinum Jubilee celebrations on Monday.
The monarch, 96, traveled to
Scotland to attend a number of royal events as part of her annual trip for
Holyrood Week. And her appearance has sparked a big reaction amongst royal
watchers.
Buckingham Palace previously
said Her Majesty, who experiences ongoing mobility issues, would not make
a decision on whether to travel to Edinburgh until nearer the time. However,
in new footage, she can be seen alighting from the royal train without any
assistance.
A
royal assistant is visibly ready to help the Queen down the train’s steps and
onto the platform. But she is able to descend without any aid and can be seen
smiling and waving to onlookers at Edinburgh. She then walks up the platform,
only lightly using her walking stick.
On Monday, the monarch was in
excellent spirits as she took part in the Ceremony of the Keys with the Earl
and Countess of Wessex.
Beaming
as she took part in the proceedings – which took place on the forecourt of
Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland – the royal was on
good form as she watched the ceremony.
Fans have been quick to
comment on both her mobility and her radiant appearance.
“What an amazing smile,
Your Majesty,” one wrote on Twitter, while a second remarked: “Happy
and glorious in Scotland.”
“Doesn’t our Queen look marvelous?!”
a third exclaimed, and a fourth shared: “Wonderful for the Queen to be in
Edinburgh today looking as regal as ever. Well done, Your Majesty. Long may you
reign over us.”
Monday’s traditional ceremony
saw the monarch symbolically handed the keys of the city by the Lord Provost.
Tradition dictates that she then returns them, entrusting their safekeeping to
Edinburgh’s elected officials.
It isn’t the only public
engagement the Queen is undertaking in Scotland for Holyrood Week. On Tuesday,
she is confirmed to attend an armed forces ceremony in the gardens of the
Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The event will see members of
the armed forces parade as part of the presentation of the key for Edinburgh
Castle. It will be an opportunity to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and
pay tribute to her role as head of the UK armed forces.
