Busy in blue: The Queen is back to work and expressing concerns over one important aspect of her job
Queen Elizabeth II is back to work today, after relaxing on a months-long summer holiday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
In true HRH fashion, her schedule is packed over the next few weeks, but she was full steam ahead and visited one of her patronages at Haig Housing.
Haig Housing is the UK’s largest military housing charity as it provides over 1,500 properties across the country to armed forces veterans at affordable and accessible rates.
For the visit, she decided to wear a matching hat and a blue double-breasted coat. The Queen finished the look with black gloves and a matching black bag.
She was greeted by local schoolchildren and Haig Housing staff upon arrival before meeting residents whose new homes in the Centenary Development have been specifically designed to meet their needs.
The Queen has been patron of Haig Housing since 1952. It was also at Haig Housing where she met with 100-year-old World War II vetran Ken Souter, where she was “glad to see” that his special birthday card turned up.
It is tradition that the Queen sends every citizen who turns 100 a hand-signed card, but after they’re sent off in the mailbox, it’s out of her hands.
She added that she's "always worried" about whether or not they'll arrive on time, according to royal reporter Rebecca English.
Souter was thrilled with the visit, saying that the Queen is a “truly amazing lady”.
“It was an honour to meet her on her first day back on public duty,” he said.
The Queen meets @RoyalAirForce veteran Ken Souter, who joined 73 squadron in 1940 and flew Hurricanes in North Africa.
Her Majesty recently sent Ken a birthday card to celebrate his 100th birthday 🎂 pic.twitter.com/ql0xQSElVj— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) October 11, 2019
Next week, the Queen will make several public outings, including the State Opening of Parliament, where she is expected to give the Queens’ Speech.
She will also be attending a service with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall to celebrate the 750th anniversary of the rebuilding of Westminster Abbey.