LONDON (AP) — Queen Elizabeth II paid a surprise visit to a central London train station on Tuesday to see a newly completed Tube line named in her honor.
The 96-year-old monarch, who has reduced most of her public engagements, appeared at Paddington Station on Tuesday to view the East-West Elizabeth Line, which is due to open to the public on May 24.
Calling the event a “happy development”, Buckingham Palace said “organizers have been advised of the possibility that she may attend”.
The Queen, who wore a sunshine yellow outfit with a matching hat, was joined by her youngest son, Prince Edward, for the official visit. She was seen smiling as she toured the station with a cane in her hand.
The monarch made her first public appearance in weeks on Friday when she attended the Royal Windsor Horse Show, watching her beloved equines perform.
His public appearances are being closely watched as Britain prepares to celebrate the monarch’s 70 years on the throne with four days of Platinum Jubilee festivities from June 2-5.
Last week, she asked her son and heir to the throne, Prince Charles, to preside over the State Opening of Parliament and deliver the Queen’s Speech, which sets out the government’s legislative agenda.
Palace officials said she had been experiencing “episodic mobility issues” in recent months and had difficulty getting around.
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