Queen Elizabethattended a service of thanksgiving to mark Royal British Legion centenary alongside her daughter Princess Anne, 71, at Westminster Abbey where she was seen using a walking stick for extra support.
The 95 year old monarch was wearing a matching blue hat and coat, as well as a blue print dress which she accessorised with a black handbag, pearl earrings and a sapphire brooch.
The Queen is rarely seen with a walking stick, but she has previously used one in 2003 and 2004 following a knee operation.
The monarch underwent the 45-minute surgery in January 2003 after injuring her knee while walking on uneven ground during a private visit to Newmarket just before Christmas 2002.
As to why she was using it today, reportedly it was “for comfort” for the Queen. A medical reason wasn’t given, but it’s suspected the Queen was using it to help her walk across Westminster Abbey’s cobbled path.
ITV's royal editor Chris Ship tweeted: “The Queen seen with a walking stick as 95 year old monarch arrives for a service at @wabbey to mark the centenary of the @PoppyLegion. She has used a stick before, after an operation. We are told she used one today “for comfort”.
The service Queen Elizabeth was attending at the Abbey was aimed at highlighting the legacy built by the Royal British Legion which was formed in May 1921.
It was created to provide financial, social and emotional support to members and veterans of the British Armed Forces in the wake of the First World War.
Speaking at today’s service, Colour Sergeant Johnson Beharry stated that he was “proud” to be part of the Royal British Legion. He said: “This is a landmark moment for the RBL, and I am proud to be here to celebrate it.”
“The charity is very close to my heart. For 100 years it has tackled the key issues facing the armed forces community that mean so much to me, and I know they will continue supporting us long into the future,” Colour Sergeant Beharry continued.
Retired Lieutenant General James Bashall, the RBL's national president, added: “In our centenary year, we remain committed to our mission to ensure that those who have given so much for their country get the fair treatment, support and recognition they deserve."
"And, as we look ahead to the next century," Lieutenant General Bashall continued, "We invite the next generation to continue our vital work in the years to come.”
While today celebrated the Royal British Legion's work, next year the Queen's 70th Jubilee will be commemorated with a four-day bank holiday weekend.
Instead of England's usual May Bank Holiday, there will be one on June 2nd through to Sunday 5 June.
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