The Queen has been pictured attending the Order of the Garter service this afternoon, accompanied by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall and other members of the Royal Family.
The 96-year-old monarch was dressed in a silver and white gown and her blue Garter sash, supported by her walking stick.
The photograph showed Her Majesty sandwiched between Charles and Camilla, who sported their grand velvet Garter robes.
The Queen accompanied her outfit with a matching silver handbag, her Garter star badge, her Bow Brooch and silver shoes.
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair arrives for the annual Order of the Garter Service
Ben Stansall
The Queen was absent from the traditional procession of Garter Knights and Ladies through the crowds at Windsor Castle.
Due to her ongoing mobility issues it had been expected Her Majesty would travel to the ceremony in a car.
She did attend the behind-the-scenes lunch and investiture ceremony, in her first public appearance since her Platinum Jubilee
The Order of the Garter Ceremony evoked controversy in the Royal Family, amid reports of an ultimatum, following the debate over Prince Andrews participation.
Prince William accompanied Prince Edward in the procession this afternoon - amid claims he told the Queen and Prince Charles that he would refrain from participating if his uncle was given a public role.
The alleged ultimatum to his grandmother and father reportedly led to the Duke of York being banned from the Order of the Garter ceremony at Windsor Castle, amid fears the crowds may boo him.
Andrew was not seen partaking in any of the public celebrations during the Garter Day.
The decision was allegedly made at the last minute, as his name remained on the order of service.
Camilla was in the procession for the first time having been appointed a Royal Lady of the Order of the Garter.
Former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair was also appointed to the oldest and most senior British Order of Chivalry as a Knight Companion.
His honour prompted a noisy protest outside the castle walls by around 100 Stop the War activists who at one point chanted “Tony Blair war criminal”.
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall with Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle
Steve Solomons
