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The President of the Royal Horticultural Society guides the Queen through the exhibition – in a golf buggy
Photo: POOL / REUTERS
Queen Elizabeth II did not want to miss the traditional Chelsea Flower Show in London - and was driven directly to the highlights in a golf buggy.
The Flower Show opens to the public on Tuesday, and around 140,000 visitors are expected this year.
Several plant creations on display are dedicated to the Queen, who is celebrating her 70th jubilee this year.
These include a new rose variety, Rosa Elizabeth, and a giant purple steel structure that replicates the Queen's profile with 70 pots of lily of the valley - the monarch's favorite flower.
In a pink suit, the 96-year-old was shown the highlights of the show on her open, mobile pedestal by Keith Weed, President of the Royal Horticultural Society.
Palace wants to avoid disappointment
Until recently, it was unclear whether the Queen would attend the show.
The palace now only announces whether the queen is coming shortly before events to avoid disappointment.
In the past few days, the Queen has been much more present after she had previously canceled many events and had other family members represent her.
Most recently, Prince Charles, the son of the monarch, read the so-called Queen's Speech at the opening of Parliament in her place.
The reason was mobility problems, as the palace announced.
On some dates, the Queen showed up with a cane.
However, she is reportedly refusing a wheelchair.
The Queen's health has been a cause for concern lately, and she only tested positive for the corona virus in February.
It is eagerly awaited in London how often the Queen will appear at the celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the throne in early June.
She ascended the throne on February 6, 1952 – but the anniversary will not be celebrated until summer.
The palace is planning a series of events, including a traditional parade through London.
ani/dpa/AFP