The Queen has been pictured smiling and laughing at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, days after missing the State Opening of Parliament due to mobility issues.

Wearing sunglasses and a navy cardigan-style top, she chatted to several people – believed to be officials – from the window of her Range Rover.

She appeared in good spirits entering the showground as members of the public held up their phones to take a picture.

Several of the Queen‘s horses are understood to be appearing at the event, which sees the animals put through their paces in a parade ring.

The outing in Windsor comes after she missed Tuesday’s opening of parliament for the first time in 59 years, with Prince Charles delivering the Queen’s Speech instead.

A palace statement said it was due her “episodic mobility problems” and that the decision had been made “in consultation with her doctors”.

She was first pictured walking with a stick in October – the same month she spent a night in hospital for “preliminary investigations” – and for the next few months was under doctor’s orders to only do light duties.

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The last time the 96-year-old was seen in public was at the Duke of Edinburgh’s memorial service in March.

However, she was pictured in official photos a few weeks ago meeting the president of Switzerland at Windsor Castle.

The Queen celebrated her birthday last month at Sandringham and next month will see Platinum Jubilee celebrations to commemorate her landmark 70 years on the throne.

Opening hours for pubs and bars will be extended across England and Wales over an extended four-day bank holiday from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June.

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