THE Queen has travelled to Balmoral for a break ahead of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations starting next week.
The monarch has attended a number of high-profile engagements in recent weeks and it is understood the head of state is now pacing herself before the national events start.
In past years the Queen has usually visited her private Scottish home at the start of the summer and it is understood she arrived at her highland retreat on Thursday.
On Monday the Queen, who has been experiencing mobility problems, toured the Chelsea Flower by buggy.
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The previous week she made a surprise visit to Paddington station to celebrate the completion of the Elizabeth Line, named in her honour.
An extended Bank Holiday is being held to mark the Jubilee. On June 2, Trooping the Colour, the sovereign’s official birthday parade, will start the four days of events.
There will be no ceremonial journey to the service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday June 3, and the 96-year-old monarch will use a different entrance rather than scaling the steep steps.
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That evening Diana Ross, Queen + Adam Lambert and other stars will perform at an open-air concert in front of the palace.
The weekend will end with street parties and Big Jubilee Lunches held across the UK on Sunday, while in central London the Platinum Jubilee Pageant will see a 3km carnival procession make its way through the streets.
It will feature a cast of thousands, including puppets and celebrities. For the finale Ed Sheeran will sing England's national anthem in front of the Queen’s official residence.
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