Queen Elizabeth II has made her first public appearance of the year, attending a service of thanksgiving for her late husband, Prince Philip.
The 95-year-old British monarch made her way to her seat at Westminster Abbey with the help of a walking cane and son Prince Andrew, making his first public appearance since last month settling a civil sex assault lawsuit brought by Virginia Giuffre.
The Queen remained standing throughout the opening hymn, before taking her seat next to her eldest son, Prince Charles.
The Queen's attendance was confirmed on the morning of the ceremony, putting to rest questions about whether recent ill health would keep her away.
There have been concerns about her health and she has cut back on her duties since spending a night in hospital last October, dealing with mobility issues and recently recovering from COVID-19, cancelling a number of planned engagements since then.
Buckingham Palace said the Queen was actively involved in planning Tuesday's event.
"Today's Service of Thanksgiving for the life of The Duke of Edinburgh will reflect the breadth of causes and charitable interests championed by His Royal Highness, as well as recognising those who continue his work," a tweet from the royal family's account read.
David Hoyle, the Dean of Westminster, opened the service by describing Philip as "a man of rare ability and distinction, rightly honoured and celebrated".
The service included some elements that could not happen at his funeral due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Only 30 mourners were allowed to attend the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral in April last year but the second send-off almost a year later was a much-larger affair.
Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, with their two older children, George and Charlotte — along with Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall — attended the service.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, did not attend, with no official reason given.
Prince Andrew, Duke of York, travelled with the Queen, avoiding the cameras outside before entering through a side door and helping his mother to her seat.
The pair left the Abbey together after the service.
A number of dignitaries were at the service, with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and royalty from across Europe in attendance.
Sympathy for the Queen at another memorial service
Unlike Prince Philip's funeral last year, crowds were able to gather outside the Abbey to pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh's lifetime of service.
With the bells ringing out over Westminster, royal fans secured their spots, waved their flags and kept their cameras trained on the entrance waiting for the Queen's arrival.
There were sighs of disappointment as it was confirmed she would arrive via the back entrance.
Royal fan Margaret Tyler watched on behind the barricades as, one by one, cars arrived outside the Abbey.
"The day of Prince Philip's funeral our hearts went out to [the Queen], sitting alone. You just want to go and put your arms around her," she said.
"It's still sad. All these months have gone by since the funeral but she has had a lot to put up with."
Other royalists reflected that the service was an opportunity for the public to pay tribute to Prince Philip in person.
"We couldn't pay our last respects to him … so today we're here to pay our respect and show our support. I support the Queen a lot. She is my favourite monarch," one said.
Also among the crowd was Australian Sarah Gilbert, who took her family to Westminster Abbey to pay tribute and witness the crowds gathered to celebrate Prince Philip's memory.
She said she felt great sympathy for the Queen attending the event given her recent mobility problems.
"I think anybody at the age of 95 finds it hard to move around," she said.
"So the fact that she still has such an active role … [although] I know she has taking a bit of a step back, I think she'd do her best [today] … because [she] knows the world is watching."
Ms Gilbert's son, Charlie, was excited about getting a glimpse of the Queen.
"I have never seen [the royals] before," he said.
