The Queen put on a brave face in honour of her late husband Prince Philip as she attended the special memorial service at Westminster Abbey for him today.
After weeks of uncertainty over whether she would be able to attend, the 95 year old monarch lead her family as she arrived at the London venue ready to celebrate the Duke of Edinburgh's life.
The Queen's arrival comes as a welcome confirmation that despite reportedly struggling with "stiff legs" and only recently coming out of her battle with COVID-19, she is feeling well enough to attend.
Royal biographer Angela Levin recently told Sky News that the monarch was determined to come and it was "important" for her to be seen by the world.
Instead of arriving at the Great West Door and walk the length of the church, through the Nave and the Quire, the Queen will enter via Poet's Corner which is shorter route.
According to PA, special arrangements have been put in place to ensure the Queen is comfortable as she will be sitting in one of the Canada chairs with an extra cushion, while the service will be limited to 40 minutes.
Today the Queen is able to remember her husband of 73 years surrounded by members of the royal family and others, after covid restrictions were in place during the Duke's funeral last April.
Only 30 people were allowed to be in attendance in April 2021, where Her Majesty, 95, sat alone in a poignant image.
However, the memorial service today is set to be a complete contrast as the Queen is set to carry out Philip's final wishes around his funeral during the service of thanksgiving, which will include hymns, flowers from their wedding bouquet as well as guests that were unable to attend last year.
“The Queen has also been actively involved in the plans for today’s Service of Thanksgiving, with many elements reflecting Her Majesty’s wishes,” a spokesman said.
Buckingham Palace recently announced the service's focus will be on the late Duke's "dedication" to his family, nation and Commonwealth.
The thanksgiving memorial will also "recognise the importance of his legacy in creating opportunities for young people, promoting environmental stewardship and conservation, and supporting the armed forces".
The statement added: "The service will in particular pay tribute to The Duke of Edinburgh's contribution to public life and steadfast support for the over 700 charitable organisations with which His Royal Highness was associated throughout his life."
The Queen's attendance marks her first public engagement since February 5.
Sadly, due to her ongoing health issues, and an unfortunate bout of covid, the monarch was forced to pull out of one of her biggest annual engagements sat the Commonwealth Day service too.
While she refrained from travel, the Queen was still able to conduct some private meetings at the Windsor Castle, where she has mostly been staying.
The Royal has been pictured with the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and military figures.
While she recovered from "mild covid symptoms", the Queen also conducted meetings virtually.
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Royal fans can expect to see most of the Royal family in attendance at the memorial service.
Prince Harry confirmed he, his wife Meghan Markle and their two children Archie, two, and Lilibet, nine months, would't be travelling for the event, which is thought to be due to ongoing issues over the use of his private security in the UK.
But the Duke of Edinburgh's son Prince Andrew, who has been involved in a recent legal scandal and settled out of court over claims of sexual assault from Virginia Giuffre, is attending.
Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Charles, Camila, among others, are also all expected to be in attendance.
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