Queen spotted driving as she’s seen for first time since hospital stay after pulling out of COP26 on doctors’ orders
THE Queen was spotted behind the wheel in Windsor this morning during a two-week break from duties.
The monarch looked chipper and well in a headscarf and dark sunglasses after she cancelled all public engagements on doctors' orders.
She was seen driving her understated green five-door Jaguar - usually used to ferry her beloved corgis - earlier today.
Her appearance comes days after she was told by her private medics to rest after spending a night in hospital for 'preliminary tests'.
She was later discharged in "good spirits", and the stay was kept a secret and only confirmed by the Palace when it was revealed by The Sun.
However, she then cancelled a planned appearance at the COP26 summit.
And while she's still receiving her daily red boxes of Government documents, the royal has decided to rest until mid-November.
The new photo will be doubly reassuring to Brits concerned for her health.
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Boris Johnson said over the weekend that Her Majesty was "on very good form".
The PM, who speaks to the Queen every Wednesday for a weekly update, told Channel 4 News on Saturday: "I spoke to Her Majesty and she’s on very good form.
“She’s just got to follow the advice of her doctors and get some rest and I think that’s the important thing.
"I think the whole country wishes her well.”
Palace aides had advised Her Majesty to "cut back" on her "exhausting" schedule, although she is continuing to host virtual audiences with dignitaries.
Last Thursday, she beamed as she presented David Constantine with the Gold Medal for Poetry via videolink.
She will also address attendees at COP26 by way of a pre-recorded message.
And it's her "firm intention" to attend the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph on November 14.
Prince Charles will lay a wreath on behalf of his mother, as he has done in recent years, with the plan for her to again watch from a nearby balcony.
One source said: "That’s just unmissable, as far as the Queen is concerned.
PUNISHING SCHEDULE
"It is one of her most sacred duties."
The Palace will carefully examine her diary to ensure a "careful and cautious approach" is taken in the coming months.
The royal had 295 engagements during 2019 - and has pursued a punishing schedule following the Duke of Edinburgh's death, carrying out 120 official appointments in 194 days.
Sources claimed she was "knackered" as a result of her punishing schedule, coupled with a busy social life and late-night TV.
But the monarch herself shot down her doubters earlier this month by refusing an Oldie of the Year award.
She said she "doesn't meet the relevant criteria" - and cheekily added: "You are as old as you feel."
Relatives are said to be concerned for her health, with Harry reportedly planning to return to the UK this Christmas so his grandmother can meet great-granddaughter Lilibet for the first time.
PLANS FOR REMEMBRANCE DAY
Unsubstantiated reports in reveal the Duke of Sussex felt "helpless" from his home in Montecito, LA after learning his grandmother had been hospitalised.
It's claimed he's been "checking in non-stop" to ensure she is feeling better.
And a source said he is "hoping to go back home for Christmas with Meghan, if not before, so that [the Queen] can finally get to meet Lilibet and see Archie again."
Meanwhile, the family is reportedly facing a ";constitutional headache" - because Harry and Andrew are still slated for one of the most important royal roles.
The Dukes of Sussex and York are still listed as 'counsellors of state' - meaning that, if the Queen is unwell or abroad, they can serve in her stead.
Only four such positions exist, with the other two filled by Charles and William.
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But neither Harry nor Andrew are currently working royal.s
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Andrew has stepped back amid bombshell sex assault claims, while Harry chose to leave for a new life with Meghan Markle in LA.
Now there's believed to be concern of a vacuum at the very top of the family - with both Camilla and Beatrice reportedly being considered for the job instead.
