Queen, 96, beams as she’s awarded Canterbury Cross for her ‘unstinting service’ to Church of England for 70 years

THE Queen reveals a close-cut hairdo as she receives a Canterbury Cross from Archbishop Justin Welby.

The silver cross, inspired by a 9th century brooch found in Canterbury in 1867, was for “unstinting” 70-year service to the Church.

In the citation for the cross, which was also given to the Queen as a framed piece of calligraphy, the archbishop praised the monarch and hailed “her care for the unity of her people and the welfare of the least fortunate” as a “constant inspiration to the whole church”.

The Queen’s life was “an example of a Christian life well led,” he said.

The citation read: “Throughout her reign, Her Majesty has duly upheld both the Christian religion and the Church of England in her roles as Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

“Whether in the formality of opening sessions of General Synod or the more intimate context of her personal addresses to the nation and Commonwealth at Christmas, Her Majesty has made manifest her own deep faith and its relevance to all that she undertakes.

“Her subtle understanding of the changing position of the Established Church in England has sustained and encouraged laity and clergy alike.

“Her care for the unity of her people and the welfare of the least fortunate have been a constant inspiration to the whole Church.

“Hers is an example of the Christian life well led.

“This presentation of the Canterbury Cross is a heartfelt symbol of the love, loyalty and affection in which the Church of England holds Her Majesty and it represents the recognition and gratitude of her whole Church for her seventy years of unstinting service.

“God Save The Queen!”

Her Maj, 96, was in good spirits at Windsor Castle, despite mobility issues.