Queen smiles from ear to ear as she watches parade in Scotland
Watch: Queen gets key to Edinburgh Castle at Armed Forces parade
The Queen looked in the epitome of high spirits as she watched and took part in a military parade in Edinburgh on Tuesday.
The royal, 96, who has recently reduced her public engagement count due to mobility issues, was full of smiles she attended the Armed Forces Act of Loyalty Parade at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The event was held to celebrate her week-long visit to Scotland and to mark her Platinum Jubilee.
Read more: 70 years of style: The Queen's standout fashion moments on her Platinum Jubilee
The parade included the presentation of the key for Edinburgh Castle as is tradition, as well as meeting with members of the services.
The army, navy and air force were represented at the service and and a royal salute took place on her arrival.
Read more: Queen appears cheery as she makes unexpected Edinburgh visit with Sophie and Edward
Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich, governor of Edinburgh Castle, who presented the key to the Queen, addressed her with, “We, the serving members of Your Majesty’s Armed Forces, bound by our oath to You, your Heirs and Successors, offer for Your gracious acceptance the Key to Your Majesty’s Royal Castle of Edinburgh.”
The Queen responded, "I return this key to the safekeeping of My Governor of Edinburgh Castle, in gratitude for the symbolic Act of Loyalty of Our Armed Forces, confident of your faithful allegiance to your oath.”
Members of the armed forces gave the royal three cheers before a pipe tune composed for the jubilee, called Dieu Ragnari, was played as she waved goodbye, retuning to the palace.
The act of loyalty and presentation of the key marked the 200th anniversary of King George IV's visit to Scotland in 1822.
The Queen was pictured wearing a lilac wool dress and coat with a matching hat, by Angela Kelly.
Later the Princess Royal will present honours in an investiture ceremony at the palace, recognising James McGoldrick, the assistant general secretary of the United Nations, and Ross McEwan, the chief executive of the Royal Bank of Scotland, and others.
Read more: The Queen returns to work without walking stick as she receives award
The Queen's smiles at the armed forces parade follow her cheeriness when she unexpectedly arrived in Edinburgh on Monday, marking the beginning of Royal Week in Scotland.
She arrived to take part in Ceremony of the Keys at Holyroodhouse, where her week-long residence is held, and was joined by Prince Edward, her youngest son, and his wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
The monarch's royal visit to Scotland follows her Platinum Jubilee earlier this month, marking her 70 years of service, with events like Trooping the Colour, the Service of Thanksgiving and the Platinum Party at the palace stand outs.
