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Queen stuns with surprise appearance after health fears

The Queen was all smiles on Friday as she made her first public appearance since March.

The monarch arrived at the Royal Windsor Horse show to claps and cheers, surprising the crowd after rumours had been swirling around her failing health.

Queen Elizabeth II watches the horses from her Range Rover at The Royal Windsor Horse Show
Queen Elizabeth II arrived at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in her Range Rover on Friday. Photo: Getty

She arrived at the event in the passenger seat of her Range Rover, smiling at festival-goers and speaking to some through her open car window.

The 96-year-old Queen recently missed the State Opening of Parliament for the first time in 59 years due to mobility issues, sparking fears that she wouldn’t be well enough to attend the Royal Windsor Horse show.

This event is said to be one of her favourites as she enjoys watching her animals compete. The monarch donned a headscarf and walked slowly to the royal box with the help of a walking stick.

After her horse Balmoral Leia was announced the supreme champion, the Queen was delighted to be presented with the winner’s cup.

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Queen Elizabeth II receives the winner's cup at The Royal Windsor Horse Show. She is wearing a headscarf.
The monarch was delighted to be presented with the winner's cup. Photo: Getty

This comes after the Queen missed the first day of the Royal Windsor Horse show, reportedly pulling out from attending at the last minute due to health issues.

Instead, she went to the Royal Mews in Windsor to spend time with her horses away from the private eye.

It was also announced that she will no longer attend any of her garden parties with other members of her family stepping in to take her place.

Her latest appearance will help quash fears that the monarch will miss other events coming up, with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee starting on June 2.

For the celebration, there are four days of events planned including a pageant through London and a concert outside Buckingham Palace.

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