The Queen has travelled to Scotland and will take part in the Ceremony of the Keys at Holyrood this morning.
The 96-year-old monarch, who has cut back on public engagements due to mobility issues, was in Edinburgh for the historic ceremony – the traditional opener to Holyrood week for the royals.
She was joined by her youngest son, Edward, and his wife, Sophie, known as the Earl and Countess of Forfar while they are in Scotland, for the event, which is taking place at the Palace of Holyrood house.
The ceremony traditionally sees the monarch handed the keys of the city and welcomed to her “ancient and hereditary kingdom of Scotland”.
The trip comes after the recent Platinum Jubilee celebrations for the Queen, in which she pledged to continue to serve the country “to the best of my ability supported by my family”.
Charles, known as the Earl of Rothesay in Scotland and the Princess Royal will all take part in a series of public engagements in Scotland over the coming days.
But Prince Andrew, known as the Earl of Inverness in Scotland, no longer carries out public duties and will not be involved.
Last Week, Her Majesty was presented in person with a special Canterbury Cross for her “unstinting service” to the Church of England over the last 70 years.
The 96-year-old head of state held a face-to-face audience with the Archbishop of Canterbury at Windsor Castle last Tuesday.
The Most Rev Justin Welby gave the Queen the small silver cross, inspired by a ninth century Saxon brooch and incorporating a triquetra pattern, as a “heartfelt symbol” of the church’s “love, loyalty and affection”.
The Queen was presented with a special Canterbury Cross last week
Andrew Matthews
Her Majesty is greeted as she arrives at the ceremony
Jane Barlow