Queen Elizabethis back in Scotland!
The Queen was pictured smiling and holding her walking cane (which she hasused frequently since last fall) as she appeared for the historic Ceremony of the Keys on Monday morning. During the ceremony, the monarch is handed the keys of the city of Edinburgh and welcomed to “your ancient and hereditary kingdom of Scotland.”
Although she has received audiences at her Windsor Castle home in the past week, the outing on Monday marked her first public appearance since her Platinum Jubilee celebrations in early June. The Queen was absent from all five days of Royal Ascot earlier this month — one of her go-to events. The palace also announced on Monday that the Queen will attend an Armed Forces Act of Loyalty Parade in the gardens of Holyroodhouse on Tuesday.
Queen Elizabeth on Monday morning at the Ceremony of the Keys.Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
With pipers and drummers from the Royal Highland Fusiliers and the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland providing the musical accompaniment for the ceremony, the Queen received the keys, which were presented to her on a red velvet cushion.
The Queen with Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
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As has become the norm as she battles herongoing mobility issues, Buckingham Palace only confirmed in the hours beforehand that the Queen had made the journey north to Scotland from Windsor Castle.
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Last week, it emerged that the Queen has been horse-riding again after a hiatus due to “discomfort.” A royal source told PEOPLE: “At 96, it’s amazing that the Queen has been on her horse.”
source: people.com
