Royal aid: Queen, 95, uses walking stick for 'comfort' for the first time at public engagement as she attends thanksgiving service with Princess Anne at Westminster Abbey
The Queen used a walking stick for support today as she arrived for a service of thanksgiving to mark the centenary of the Royal British Legion at Westminster Abbey.
The 95-year-old monarch, who is the patron of the armed forces charity, was accompanied by her daughter Princess Anne as she stepped out of a car in London in the autumn sunshine this morning.
The Queen is rarely seen with a walking stick, but she has previously been photographed using one on a few occasions including at engagements in 2003 and 2004 - although that was after she had a knee operation.
Today, she was said to have been using the stick 'for comfort' for the first time - and while no specific medical reason was given, the Abbey's entrance could have influenced her decision because it is cobbled and uneven.
The service aimed to highlight the Royal British Legion's legacy built over the last century and its work supporting and commemorating those from the UK and Commonwealth communities in the armed forces.
The Queen and Anne joined a congregation representing those the organisation supports, including serving members of the armed forces, veterans, and their families.
The Queen attends a service of thanksgiving to mark the centenary of the Royal British Legion at Westminster Abbey today
Queen Elizabeth II is given flowers by a girl as she attends a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey today
The Queen uses her walking stick at Westminster Abbey today at the service of thanksgiving for the Royal British Legion
The Queen walks along the cobbled stones at the Abbey today with The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster
Queen Elizabeth II and her daughter Princess Anne attend the service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey this morning
Queen Elizabeth II is presented with a bouquet of flowers as she arrives to attend the service of thanksgiving today
The Queen is accompanied by her daughter Princess Anne as she steps out of a car in London in the autumn sunshine today
2003 -- The Queen leaves the King Edward VII Hospital in London in January 14, 2003, after keyhole surgery to remove torn cartilage from her right knee. She is also pictured with a stick while visiting Belfast with Prince Philip on February 26, 2003
2003/2004 -- Queen Elizabeth II leaves St Mary Magdalene Church at Sandringham in Norfolk on December 25, 2003, following the Christmas Day service (left). And the Queen views the Queen Mary 2 ship on January 8, 2004 in Southampton
Also in attendance were members of the charity, supporters, staff and volunteers, as well as representatives from a range of community and partner organisations and government.During the service, led by The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, Anne gave a reading and the charity's national president led the Act of Rededication, reaffirming its commitment to its work and service.
An anthem by composer John Rutter, based on Psalm 26, which was originally commissioned for the 75th Anniversary of VE Day, was performed publicly for the first time, by the choir.
Readings were also given by members of the armed forces community, with the service forming part of a programme of activity by the Royal British Legion which is helping to celebrating its centenary.
The charity was founded in the aftermath of the First World War on 15th May 1921, when representatives of the four national organisations of ex-serviceman came together at the Cenotaph to create the British Legion.
Its founding mission was to fight for the rights of those who had given so much and come back to so little – and it now aims to provide lifelong care and support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families.
The legion is also famous for its poppy appeal, which encourages public donations in return for the red flower worn in memory of the UK's war dead.
This week, Victoria Cross hero Colour Sergeant Johnson Beharry hailed the Royal British Legion's centenary as a 'landmark moment' ahead of the service.
Readings were given by C/Sgt Beharry, Sir Nick and Sara Jones, whose husband Lieutenant Colonel Herbert 'H' Jones was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for his bravery at the Battle of Goose Green during the Falklands Conflict.
C/Sgt Beharry, of the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, said: 'This is a landmark moment for the RBL, and I am proud to be here to celebrate it.
'The charity is very close to my heart. For 100 years it has tackled the key issues facing the armed forces community that mean so much to me, and I know they will continue supporting us long into the future.'
After the First World War, the physical injuries of the returning servicemen were not the only issues that needed addressing. Some men found it difficult to find work, which left their dependants in need.
Queen Elizabeth II uses a walking stick as she arrives to attend the service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey today
The Queen smiles as she arrives for the service of thanksgiving to mark the centenary of the Royal British Legion today
Queen Elizabeth II is presented with a bouquet of flowers as she arrives to attend the service of thanksgiving this morning
The Queen joined a congregation at Westminster Abbey this morning representing those the Royal British Legion supports
Queen Elizabeth II arrives to attend a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey in London this morning
Queen Elizabeth II attends a service of thanksgiving to mark the centenary of the Royal British Legion this morning
Queen Elizabeth II attends a service of thanksgiving to mark the centenary of The Royal British Legion today
Queen Elizabeth II arrives to attend a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey in London this morning
The Queen arrives this morning to lead the nation in marking the 100th anniversary of the charity at Westminster Abbey
Queen Elizabeth II arrives to attend a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey in London this morning
The Princess Royal will give a scripture reading on the theme of service during the event at Westminster Abbey today
Princess Anne accompanies the Queen as she arrives for the service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey this morning
General Sir Nick Carter, Chief of the Defence Staff, will be among the congregation for the service and the outgoing head of the armed forces will be joined by members of the military, veterans and their families from the UK and the Commonwealth.
Naomi Hall, an RAF and Afghanistan veteran supported by the RBL as she recovered from physical and mental health injuries, gave a reading today.
Ms Hall said: 'It is a great honour to be asked to help mark the centenary of an organisation that has done so much for me and my military comrades for the last 100 years, and a privilege to do so in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen.
'When I was at my lowest ebb, the RBL was there for me and has been ever since. My road to recovery has been a long journey and I could never have imagined it would lead to this day.'
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