Bright and dutiful, Queen returns to work
THE Queen was back on duty yesterday after ill health meant she had to pull out of an engagement last week.
The monarch, 92, was taking part in a ceremony to formally welcome her to Edinburgh for Holyrood Week, her annual visit to Scotland.
During the Ceremony of the Keys, the Queen is handed the keys to the city and is greeted by its Lord Provost.
Tradition dictates she then returns them, entrusting their safekeeping to Edinburgh’s elected officials.
She also received a guard of honour with pipe and drum music on the forecourt of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, her official Scottish residence.
Carrying a posy as she inspected the troops, the monarch wore a sunshine-yellow suit and tinted glasses – to protect her vision following cataract surgery last month. It comes after she pulled out of a service at St Paul’s Cathedral last Thursday because she was feeling ‘under the weather’.
This was unusual for the sovereign, who is known for her strong constitution and no-fuss approach to illness.
Yesterday it was reported that she has refused knee surgery – despite ‘worsening pain’ – as she does not want to miss public engagements.