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The 92-year-old monarch looked in good spirits as she inspected the guards of honour at the gates of Balmoral to officer start her annual summer break.
But there was no sign of her husband, Prince Philip.
The Queen has been staying at Craigowan Lodge on the luxurious estate while she waited for Balmoral Castle to close to tourists.
And today she looked elegant in a sky blue jacket, teamed with a matching hat, as she greeted Officer Commanding Johnny Thompson.
She was also greeted by cheeky Shetland Pony Mascot Cruachan IV who she said to “here we are again”.
The Queen is taking time off from her busy Royal duties by spending a significant amount of time at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
During the first week of August the longest-serving monarch will inspect the battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, who provide security during the royals stay.
She is expected to be joined by members of the royal family, including Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, for their first visit to the estate as a married couple.
Newlyweds Meghan and Harry could attend the Braemar Gathering on Royal Deeside, seen as the biggest event in the Highland Games calendar
Members of the Royal Family are typically present for the occasion, which always takes place on the first Saturday in September.
Princess Eugenie once insisted the Queen was “most happiest” at the historic castle.
She said: “It’s the most beautiful place on earth. I think Granny is the happiest there.
“Walks, picnics, dogs, a lot of dogs — there’s always dogs and people coming in and out all the time.
“Family-wise we’re all there, so it’s a lovely base for Granny and Grandpa to be — for us to come and see them up there where you just have room to breathe and run.”
The 50,000 acres offers the privacy that Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip look for during their summer away from the public life.
Balmoral Castle has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was bought for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852 for £32,000, having been first leased in 1848.
The property remains privately owned by the Queen – as is Sandringham – and is not publicly funded.
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