Touching new photo of The Queen released, as she honours Prince Phillip ahead of her birthday

The Royal Family has released a touching new photo of The Queen as she marks her birthday with a special gesture to her late husband, Prince Philip.

The Royal Family has released a stunning new photograph of The Queen with two of her fell ponies, ahead of her 96th birthday.

Dressed all in black, The Queen stands in contrast against Bybeck Katie and Bybeck Nightingale.

It’s the fourth in a series of photos released by the Royal Windsor Horse Show, and was taken last month in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

In the image, the Queen can also be seen wearing her trademark black shoes and a long dark green coat, which is a nod to the late Duke of Edinburgh.

At last month’s memorial service for Philip at Westminster Abbey, Her Majesty along with several other royal women wore the same shade of dark green, which was the Duke of Edinburgh’s official livery colour, also was known as Edinburgh Green.

The Queen has attended every single Royal Windsor Horse Show since it was first staged in 1943.

The Queen will travel to Sandringham for a special 96th birthday to remember husband Philip - despite her reported mobility issues.

According to royal sources as reported by The Sun, the Queen’s “mini-break” is a “positive step” showing that she is prepared to make the journey.

But the trip holds an emotional connection, with the estate being late husband Philip’s favourite place.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Picture: Tim Graham/Getty Images

An insider said: “The Queen decided very recently that on her birthday she wanted to be as close as possible to her late husband and in an environment that was very close to both of their hearts.

“Sandringham holds so many special memories for the Queen and Prince Philip as well as the rest of the royal family.

“It’s certainly a positive step that Her Majesty is feeling well enough and rested to enjoy her upcoming mini-break which she thoroughly deserves to celebrate her birthday.”

Queen Elizabeth II is photographed at Sandringham House to mark the start of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee Year. She will reportedly travel to Sandringham for her birthday. Picture: Getty Images

It comes as the Duke of Sussex appeared to issue a veiled warning to those closest to the Queen, saying he wanted to make sure his grandmother was “protected” and had “the right people around her”.

Interviewed by a US network, Harry did not elaborate on whether he was referring to royal aides or members of his own family, but spoke positively about seeing the Queen with “some element of privacy” after two years away from the UK.

Queen Elizabeth II speaks with Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. Harry has vowed to ‘protect’ his grandmother, according to reports. Picture: WPA Pool/Getty Images

According to The Sun, when asked if he missed the Prince of Wales or Duke of Cambridge, Harry, who is in the Netherlands hosting his Invictus Games, sidestepped the question and said he was focused on the competitors and their families.

His comments are likely to deepen the rifts between the duke and the institution of the monarchy and his family, who until a few years ago appeared to have his backing.

Harry also said he did not know if he will return to the UK to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, saying there are “security issues and everything else”.

— With The Sun.