Queen Elizabeth II Spotted With Walking Aid During Order of the Garter Service

The Queen was seen clutching a walking aid as she posed for pictures with Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall to mark the Order of the Garter service at St George's Chapel in Windsor on Monday.

The monarch has been plagued by mobility issues in recent months and has been forced to cancel several engagements as a result.

Her Majesty was using a walking stick made of light wood with a metal clasp and a smooth marble handle, believed to be a gift from the armed forces as part of her Jubilee celebrations earlier this month.

Despite her mobility issues, the Queen arrived at the service looking regal in an opulent silvery-white gown, matching silver handbag, silver heels, blue garter sash, garter star badge, and bow brooch.

Charles and Camilla flanked the Queen on either side, with both opting to wear their splendid velvet garter robes.

The joyous photograph was taken at Windsor Castle on Monday ahead of the Garter service in St George's Chapel.

In light of the Queen's ongoing mobility issues, the 96-year-old did not take part in the traditional procession of Garter knights and ladies through the grounds of the Berkshire Castle.

Despite this, she did attend a behind-the-scenes lunch and investiture ceremony.

This year's Garter Day was beset by an internal struggle after the disgraced Duke of York was forced to remain out of sight during the procession after a family decision was taken to limit his appearance to the lunch and investiture ceremony.

Having stepped away from public life in 2019, the Queen's third child made a private appearance in his role as a Garter knight.

Camilla was in the procession for the first time, having been appointed a Royal Lady of the Order of the Garter back in December.

The Order of the Garter is the oldest and the most senior order of chivalry in Britain, established by King Edward III in 1348.

The order includes the Queen, who is Sovereign of the Garter, several senior members of the Royal Family and 24 knights or ladies chosen in recognition of their work.

The monarch's appearance is the first time the Queen has been pictured since her lavish four-day-long Platinum Jubilee celebrations, which took place last week.

However, the photos of Her Majesty with crutches early on Monday sparked intense fears about her declining health, Express UK reported.

The picture in question shows the frail 96-year-old monarch standing alongside Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

While the monarch has been seen with a walking stick earlier, it is the first time she has been photographed with what appears to be a crutch rather than a walking stick.

The photo has sent shockwaves through Britons, who are already worried about their Queen's frail health, increasing mobility issues and decreasing public appearances.

It is pertinent to mention that the Queen also pulled out of her Platinum Jubilee festivities, only appearing publicly twice, on the Buckingham Palace balcony.