Queen uses walking stick at church service

The Queen has used a walking stick as she attended a Westminster Abbey service marking the centenary of the Royal British Legion.

The 95-year-old Queen was handed the stick after stepping from her state limousine and appeared to be moving freely as she walked to her seat for the start of the service.

She used the stick again as she left.

It is believed to be the first time she has used a walking aid at a major public event.

The Queen, who is the Royal British Legion's patron, did not arrive by the traditional great west door but via the poet's yard entrance, a shorter route to her seat.

Both developments are understood to be tailored for the Queen's comfort.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment.

The Queen and her daughter Princess Anne joined a congregation that included serving military personnel, veterans and their families from the UK and Commonwealth countries.

The service highlighted the work of the Royal British Legion, which was founded in 1921 to care for service members and their families after World War I.

with AP