The Queen fights back tears as she watches tribute to Prince Philip at Platinum Jubilee

The Queen looked relaxed and smiled for most of the night at a Jubilee event – until one clearly emotional moment.

An emotional Queen Elizabeth watched her granddaughter give a touching tribute to Prince Philip at a Platinum Jubilee celebration.

Celebrating the Monarch’s 70 years on the throne, the TV extravaganza — A Gallop Through History — featured acting and musical performances alongside horse displays on the grounds of Windsor Castle.

While the Queen beamed through much of the show, she looked noticeable serious when her granddaughter Lady Louise, 18, drove Prince Philip’s carriage around the arena.

The Queen’s eyes appeared teary as she watched the display.

Louise’s love of carriage driving was reportedly insired by her grandfather, who took part in world and european championships.

The Queen appears sombre as her granddaughter puts on a tribute display for Prince Philip. Picture: Getty Images

Lady Louise Windsor during the A Gallop Through History performance. Picture: Getty Images

The Queen appeared to hold back tears. Picture: Getty Images

Arriving in a black Range Rover as God Save the Queen was played by the military band, the 96-year-old was met with a standing ovation and a huge applause from the crowd in the castle arena at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

However, the frail-looking Queen used her walking stick on the red carpet as she made her way to her seat in the Royal Box, accompanied by the Earl of Wessex. She sat with a blanket over her knees and a shawl around her shoulders.

The event has been running since Thursday night and is the beginning of celebrations to mark the Queen’s 70-year-reign.

Queen Elizabeth II arrives for the A Gallop Through History Platinum Jubilee celebration at the Royal Windsor Horse Show at Windsor Castle. Picture: Steve Parsons

Queen Elizabeth II, with Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, meets Alan Tichmarsh and Adjoa Andoh (L) following the A Gallop Through History. Picture: Getty Images

Billed as a “personal tribute to our monarchy”, the production takes the audience through more than five centuries of history.

More than 1300 performers and 500 horses were part of the evening's entertainment, including guests from Norway, Oman, Azerbaijan, Canada, India, France, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland.

The Queen‘s daughter Princess Anne was “visibly moved” when she watched the show on Saturday evening, telling comedian Omid Djalili: “Mama will like this.”

The smiling Queen appeared to enjoy the horse show and performances. Picture: Getty Images

The monarch sat with a blanket over her knees and a shawl around her shoulders. Picture: Getty Images

A whole host of A-list stars also featured in the open air celebration including Tom Cruise and Helen Mirren.

Cruise announced the performance of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery as “one of the most enthralling, thrilling, heart-in-mouth displays”.

“It takes huge courage and discipline to do what they do, galloping with guns that were fired in the battles of the First World War, weighing one-and-a-half tonnes, with no brakes,” he said.

“The drive demonstrates absolute trust between horse and rider.”

Queen Elizabeth II departs using a walking stick after attending the A Gallop Through History performance. Picture: Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth II departs in a black Range Rover after the A Gallop Through History performance. Picture: Getty Images

The Queen’s appearance is her second public outing in just a few days after she was forced to miss the State Opening of Parliament for the first time since 1963 due to ongoing mobility issues.

The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force’s steel drum troupe performed a rhythmic version of Abba’s Dancing Queen — which the Queen appeared to enjoy.

She was also seen clapping during a traditional display from the Royal Cavalry Oman.

Dame Helen Mirren dressed as Queen Elizabeth I performs during the event. Picture: Steve Parsons

Singer Katherine Jenkins described being part of the event as a “massive honour”.

“It’s so amazing to be part of today, the kick-off to the Platinum Jubilee celebrations,” she said.

“It’s a massive honour, of course, to be invited to sing for Her Majesty at any time, but I think especially for the show this evening. I’m a massive fan of hers.”

Originally published as The Queen fights back tears as she watches tribute to Prince Philip at Platinum Jubilee