Royally delighted THE QUEEN BOUNCES BACK

It’s like a weight has been lifted from the Monarch’s shoulders

Her smile was bright, her banter sharp. The Queen was in fine form as she hosted a reception for the world’s most powerful leaders, leaving no one in any doubt that despite going through some of the most difficult months of her life, she is standing strong.

There have been fears that the 95-year-old monarch might struggle with some of her duties after the death of her husband Prince Philip, who died on April 9 at the age of 99, but the Queen showed she is made of tough stuff when she carried out several engagements connected to the G7 summit, held in Cornwall last week.

Epitomising the famous slogan, Keep Calm and Carry On, she was her usual composed and regal self as she performed her official duties, but there were also moments when she smiled widely and looked genuinely happy to be getting on with work.

As Her Majesty posed for a photo with world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, she quipped, “Are you supposed to be enjoying yourselves?” sparking laughter.

And her steely determination to do things her way was evident when she insisted on using a ceremonial sword to cut a cake at another engagement. When an aide pointed out that a conventional knife was available, the Queen comically replied, “I know there is – this is more unusual.”