The Queen put on a brave face as she attended her first public engagement since the shocking revelation that her husband, King Charles, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
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The monarch, 97, was greeted by cheering crowds as she arrived at the Royal Academy of Arts in London for the opening of a new exhibition on African art and culture.
She smiled and waved to the well-wishers, who held signs of support and flowers for the royal couple.
The Queen, who wore a bright pink coat and hat, was accompanied by her daughter-in-law, the Duchess of Cornwall, and her grandson, Prince William.
She also met with several dignitaries, including the President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, and the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed.
The Queen appeared in good spirits as she toured the exhibition, which showcases the diversity and richness of African heritage and creativity.
She stopped to admire various artworks, such as sculptures, paintings, textiles, and jewellery, and chatted with the curators and artists.
She also unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion and gave a brief speech, in which she praised the "extraordinary" exhibition and the "vibrant" relationship between the UK and Africa.
She said: "It is a pleasure to be here tonight to celebrate the opening of this magnificent exhibition, which showcases the beauty and diversity of African art and culture.
"This exhibition is a testament to the enduring friendship and cooperation between the United Kingdom and the many nations of Africa.
"It also reflects the shared values and aspirations that bind us together as a global community."
The Queen also thanked the Royal Academy of Arts for hosting the exhibition and the British Council for supporting it.
She said: "I would like to express my gratitude to the Royal Academy of Arts for their vision and dedication in bringing this exhibition to life.
"I would also like to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of the British Council, which has been instrumental in facilitating the exchange of ideas and expertise between the UK and Africa.
"I hope that this exhibition will inspire and educate visitors of all ages and backgrounds, and foster a greater appreciation and understanding of the rich and diverse cultures of Africa."
The Queen concluded her speech by wishing everyone a "very enjoyable evening".
She then mingled with the guests, who included celebrities, politicians, diplomats, and members of the African diaspora.
Among them was Princess Eugenie, who was seen for the first time since her uncle's cancer diagnosis was made public.
The 33-year-old princess, who is expecting her first child with her husband Jack Brooksbank, looked radiant in a black and gold dress.
She was spotted chatting with Prince Harry's ex-girlfriend, Cressida Bonas, who is also a close friend of hers.
The two women appeared to be on good terms, as they hugged and laughed together.
Princess Eugenie has reportedly been a source of comfort and support for her grandmother, the Queen, in the wake of the King's health crisis.
The King, 75, announced last week that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in London.
He said that he is "optimistic" about his recovery and that he has the "full support" of his family.
He also thanked the public for their "kind messages" and asked for "privacy and respect" during this difficult time.
The King's diagnosis came as a shock to many, as he had shown no signs of illness and had been carrying out his royal duties as normal.
He had recently returned from a successful tour of Australia and New Zealand, where he had received a warm welcome and praise for his environmental and humanitarian work.
The King, who ascended the throne in 2022 after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, is the longest-serving heir apparent in British history.
He is also the first British monarch to have married a divorcee, the former Camilla Parker Bowles, in 2005.
The King and the Queen have been married for 19 years and have two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, and four grandchildren, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, and Archie Mountbatten-Windsor.
The royal family has faced several challenges and controversies in recent years, such as the Megxit saga, the Prince Andrew scandal, and the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, they have also celebrated many happy occasions, such as the weddings of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank, and Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and the births of their children and grandchildren.
The Queen has been widely praised for her resilience and dedication to her role as the head of state and the Commonwealth.
She has also been hailed as a symbol of stability and unity for the nation and the world.
The Queen is expected to continue her royal duties as much as possible, while supporting her husband and the rest of her family.
She is also preparing for her Platinum Jubilee in 2025, which will mark 75 years of her reign.
The Queen has said that she is "deeply touched" by the plans for the celebrations, which will include a four-day bank holiday, a nationwide pageant, and a service of thanksgiving.
She has also expressed her hope that the jubilee will be "an opportunity for us to come together as a nation and as a Commonwealth, and to celebrate our shared history, culture, and values".
