Queen in good spirits at Windsor horse show
She has been forced to pull out of a string of engagements in recent months, sparking fears for her health.
So the royal watchers breathed a collective sigh of relief Friday when the Queen appeared at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in particularly jolly spirits.
Up and about on her feet, the 96-year-old monarch spent two hours at the event and appeared in her element as one of her horses was named supreme champion.
She chatted animatedly as she watched her beloved ponies notch up a series of rosettes and a trophy.
The Queen's bright appearance will go some way to allaying concerns about her health. It also lent weight to the message conveyed by Buckingham Palace that she suffers from “episodic mobility issues”.
Friday was clearly a good day. The Queen, wearing sunglasses, a white blouse and dark jacket, made the short journey from Windsor Castle to the Copper Horse Arena in Home Park shortly before 10:30 a.m.
A throng gathered as her Range Rover drove right up to the viewing platform. There was gentle applause as it pulled up and Her Majesty, who cut a tiny figure in the passenger seat, wound down her window.
Handed a program, the Queen then chatted enthusiastically to officials.
Wearing a slick of bright pink lipstick, the Queen smiled as she watched her ponies compete for around 50 minutes.
Although the equestrian show is considered a private event, it marked her first appearance in public since the late Duke of Edinburgh's memorial service on March 29.
A series of health scares in recent months has prompted the palace to indicate that the public should no longer expect to see her at public engagements, with appearances now only confirmed on the day.
Her failure to attend the State Opening of Parliament on Tuesday for the first time in almost 60 years did little to allay concerns.
However, those who saw the Queen at the horse show expressed fresh hope that she would make it to at least some of her Platinum Jubilee celebrations next month.
As the Queen was driven away from the arena, her vehicle paused so she could admire the two ponies at close range, chatting to their keepers and congratulating them on their performance.
Around half an hour later, the Queen made a welcome return, applauded as she was driven into the Castle Arena.
Donning a head scarf, she got out of her vehicle and walked steadily to the stand, aided by a cane.
After the Fell Pony Society's centenary parade, the Queen left the stand on foot, returning to her vehicle before being driven back to Windsor Castle for lunch.