Queen Elizabeth II: Beams like a child, perfect surprise

Created: 05/17/2022, 10:42 am

By: Annemarie Goebbel

In the run-up, it was said that Queen Elizabeth's form on the day would decide whether she would come.

She came and unexpectedly carried everyone away with her good humor.

What a brilliant performance at the start of the anniversary.

Windsor – The weeks before the big anniversary opening show at Windsor Castle, the palace had expressed itself so cautiously that nobody had actually expected Queen Elizabeth II to appear in person.

So the surprise was perfect when, at the age of 96, she also made a gigantic appearance that exceeded all expectations.

The regent was bubbling with energy and rejoiced like a child at the spectacle being performed in her honour.

Queen Elizabeth II: Beams like a child, perfect surprise

It was the second performance in three days.

First of all, the organizers of the "Royal Windsor Horse Show" could be happy about the coming of the royal jubilee.

Beaming with joy, the horse lover took a close look at her four-legged friends in person in the castle park.

It's no secret that the equestrian event is one of the Queen's favorite events.

Radiant and fit like she hasn't seen in a long time, the Queen sat elegantly between the spectators.

© Stephen Lock/Imago

It was all the more believed that Queen Elizabeth II would have to recover for weeks, but far from it.

Although there was a cancellation until a few minutes before the start of the opening event for the platinum anniversary celebration on the private grounds of Windsor Castle, the monarch appeared at the culmination of the equestrian show.

In honor of the regent, a parade "A Gallop through History" was on the program as a show act with riders, military and musicians from all over the world, in which Hollywood greats such as Helen Mirren ( 76) or Tom Cruise (59) participated.

Queen Elizabeth II: Beams like a child, perfect surprise

Elizabeth II was greeted with a standing ovation.

Prince Edward (58) was allowed to accompany his mother, who had a walking stick but looked very elegant.

Discreet glittering appliqués on the gray cape around her shoulders covered a light blue embroidered dress, the regent's face was visibly full of joy.

She chatted animatedly with her neighbors, beamed and — although it meant breaking her own rules — she retouched her lipstick without having to use a mirror.

In fact, protocol considers it impolite for guests to touch up their makeup in front of the monarch.

Queen Elizabeth II breaks her own rule and publicly puckers her lips.

© Stephen Lock/Imago

However, after ongoing concerns for the head of the British crown's health and many cancellations, it was pure joy to see the Queen so deeply relaxed.

Hopes are now high that the Queen will be able to meet more often at the celebrations in June for her 70th jubilee.