Queen uses walking stick for the first time in almost 20 years

The Queen has been seen using a walking stick for the first time in almost 20 years as she attended a service at Westminster Abbey on Tuesday.

Her Majesty, 95, used the walking aid at a service marking the centenary of the Royal British Legion.

The last time she was seen using a walking stick was in 2003 and 2004 when she was recovering from a knee operation. This is the first time she has used one simply for comfort and not for a medical reason.

Social media users shared their concern for Her Majesty's health, however, many were also impressed she hadn't needed to use a cane until now.

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The Queen was handed the stick as she exited her state limo, but appeared to be walking freely. It's believed the cobbled and uneven surface was the reason she may have requested the aid, according to Daily Mail.

"Reassurance and support are top on the list of walking stick requirements," Paul Simmonds, the owner of London-based business WalkingSticks.co.uk told the publication. "Although the Queen doesn't appear to rely on her walking stick entirely, it may provide her with that all-important sense of additional support that a walking stick offers.

"The Queen even has a wrist loop attached to the front of the stick. This helps on two fronts; the walking stick is always at hand and easy to grasp when you need it, and you tend never to leave it behind, even with The Queen's busy schedule."

She attended the event with daughter Princess Anne and arrived at at the Poet's Yard entrance, rather than the Great West Door, which meant a shorter walk to her seat – both the stick and the entrance are thought to have been for her comfort.

It was reported in 2018 the Queen was still suffering from pain from her knees, due to torn cartilage, but was reluctant to undergo another surgery due to the time she would have to take off to recover.

She was all smiles at the event dressed in a blue coat with Queen Mary's Russian brooch and a matching blue hat.

Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on the stick.

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