Queen drops her walking stick as she receives an award for her ‘tireless service’

New pictures show the Queen standing as she is presented with the Canterbury Cross Award during an audience with Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby at Windsor Castle today

New images show the Queen standing without her cane as she is presented with a special award for her “tireless service” over the past 70 years.

Her Majesty was awarded the Canterbury Cross in recognition of her contribution to the Church of England during her long reign.

The 96-year-old Head of State held a personal audience with the Archbishop of Canterbury at Windsor Castle today to accept the award.

It comes after she skipped the public procession during Garter Day and did not appear at Royal Ascot last week due to her ongoing mobility issues.

During today’s presentation, the Reverend Justin Welby presented the Queen with the small silver cross, inspired by a 9th-century Saxon brooch and featuring a triquetra pattern, as a “heartfelt symbol” of the Church’s “love, loyalty and affection”.

It was a tribute to her outstanding service to the Church of England and in honor of her platinum anniversary.

The Queen, who wore her glasses and wore a cream dress decorated with a pattern of large pink flowers, was photographed standing as she was shown the cross.

The monarch shook hands with the archbishop, who was wearing purple ecclesiastical robes, as he entered the sitting room of the Oak Room at Berkshire Castle.

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Presented in a bright red box and affixed to a blue ribbon, the cross was specially crafted for its royal recipient with platinum inserts in recognition of her milestone 70 years on the throne.

The Queen, who has deep Christian faith, is Supreme Governor of the Church of England and Defender of the Faith.

In the citation for the cross, which was also presented to the Queen in framed calligraphy, the Archbishop praised the monarch, hailing “her concern for the unity of her people and the welfare of the least fortunate” as a “constant inspiration”. for the whole Church”.

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

The quote read: “During her reign, Her Majesty has 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 the inaugural sessions of the General Synod or in the more intimate context of her personal Christmas addresses to the nation and the Commonwealth, Her Majesty has expressed her own deep faith and relevance to all that she undertakes.

“Her subtle understanding of the changing position of the mainstream Church in England has provided support and encouragement to lay and clergy alike.

“Her concern for the unity of her people and the welfare of the least fortunate has been a constant inspiration to the whole Church. She is an example of a well-conducted Christian life.

“This presentation of the Canterbury Cross is a heartfelt symbol of the love, loyalty and affection with which the Church of England holds Her Majesty and represents the recognition and gratitude of her entire Church for her 70 years of tireless service. God Save the Queen!”

The Canterbury Cross is awarded each year to a small number of recipients of service to the Church as part of the annual Lambeth Awards.