The Queen was greeted by cheering crowds as she headed out for a morning of engagements in Windsor on Wednesday – the day before her 90th birthday. Her Majesty was accompanied by Prince Philip on a visit to the Royal Mail Windsor delivery office, where the Royal Mail choir sang Happy Birthday to their guest of honour.
Looking cheerful in a fuchsia pink coat and hat with a floral bow, the Monarch waved to the well-wishers who had gathered outside ahead of her arrival. The royal couple were taken on a tour of the delivery office, where they chatted with postmen and sorting staff.
The Queen greeted well-wishers on a visit to the Royal Mail Windsor delivery office
The visit was in honour of the 500th anniversary of the postal service, but it also offered the opportunity to get a proper glimpse at the new commemorative stamps released on Wednesday. The Queen took a look at a large print of the specially commissioned family portrait which features on a new stamp sheet, and was presented with a limited edition 90 framed set that brings together stamps issued to mark significant achievements over her record-breaking reign.
GALLERY: THE QUEEN'S MOST MEMORABLE SPEECHES
After their brief visit to the postal office, the Queen and Prince Philip continued their day by officially opening the new Bandstand at Alexandra Gardens. The royals met children from the six schools involved in designing the Bandstand's commemorative plaques and sat in the audience to watch a short performance from some of the local schoolchildren.
The royal couple carried out two engagements in Windsor
It was an incredible start to Her Majesty's 90th birthday celebrations, with many royal enthusiasts including 80-year-old Terry Hutt waiting outside Windsor Castle in a bid to wish the Queen a happy birthday.
The Queen will get the opportunity to meet a number of fans as she carries out a walkabout in the town on Thursday. Her Majesty will officially open The Queen's Walkway at the foot of Castle Hill along with the Duke of Edinburgh on Thursday morning. She will later celebrate her milestone day by participating in a beacon lighting ceremony which will see over 1,000 beacons be lit across the UK and worldwide in honour of the Queen's special day.