Queen Elizabeth II paid a surprise visit to a central London train station on Tuesday to see a newly completed subway line named in her honour.
The 96-year-old monarch, who has cut back on her public appearances, stopped by Paddington Station on Tuesday to see the east-west Elizabeth Line, which is set to open to the public on May 24.
Buckingham Palace described the event as “a happy development,” adding that “the organisers were informed of the possibility 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 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.
Her 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 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 lays out the government’s legislative program.
Palace officials have said she is experiencing “episodic mobility problems” in recent months and has difficulties moving around.
