Smiling Queen joins star-studded Jubilee celebration

After skipping a number of recent appearances, the Queen was all smiles as she joined the star-studded crowd at a Jubilee event.

The Queen has been given a standing ovation as she turned up for the final night of an equestrian extravaganza as part of the celebrations for her Platinum Jubilee.

Dozens of stars, dignitaries and thousands of royal fans joined her to watch the Windsor Horse Show “A Gallop Through History” in honour of her 70-year reign.

The three-hour long extravaganza featured 1,300 performers – including Tom Cruise and Dame Helen Mirren – along with 500 horses.

The Queen – who has had to skip several high-profile engagements recently – was beaming as she was led to her seat by her son, Prince Edward, with the help of a walking stick. The 4,000-strong crowd went wild as she arrived to the sounds of the national anthem.

The 96-year-old looked happy and relaxed as she took her seat. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The guest of honour walked the red carpet as the crowd went wild. Picture: Steve Parsons/PA Wire

It marked the first in a series of planned events to mark the anniversary of the accession on Queen Elizabeth II in February 1952.

She looked delighted as she watched the show from the crowd. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Earlier, Top Gun star Tom Cruise gave a pre-performance interview to event hosts Philip Schofield and Julie Etchingham and gushed about his deep admiration for the Queen.

“It’s a wonderful event, I’m very honoured to be here, it’s privilege. She’s a woman who I greatly admire,” he said.

“What she’s accomplished has been historic. I remember always as a kid seeing photos of her. I came to England in 1982, I started producing movies here because I like the crews, the people, the history, I just have great respect so when they asked I said, it would be an honour.

“It’s wonderful. I really love the tradition and what a moment.

“Presidents, world leaders, people of all walks of life. Not just America but the world knows dignity and devotion and kindness. Someone who understands her position and held it through a history that’s been extraordinary the past 70 years.”

Cruise took to the stage during the “A Gallop Through History” Windsor Horse Show. Picture: Steve Parsons/PA Images via Getty Images

He also spoke during a prerecorded interview prior to the event. Picture: ITV

Once the show got underway, Cruise returned to welcome the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery, showcasing military precision, with a group made up of 68 horses pulling along six quick fire guns.

Dame Helen Mirren also took to the stage, playing the role of Queen Elizabeth I in a scene depicting how the Spanish Armada was tackled by the British.

Dame Helen Mirren dressed as Queen Elizabeth I. Picture: Steve Parsons/PA Wire

While the Platinum Jubilee weekend officially begins on Thursday, June 2, with a special Trooping the Colour parade featuring the royals on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be attending the celebrations, they – along with Prince Andrew – have been ruled out of making the traditional balcony appearance by the Queen.