Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Prince of Wales have planted a tree at Balmoral Castle as part of the Queen's Green Canopy (QGC) initiative created to honour her Platinum Jubilee.
Beaming in the Scottish sunshine, the Queen and Prince Charles were joined by pupils from a local school as they put soil around the copper beech sapling tree at the castle's cricket pavilion. Placing it in the ground, the Prince of Wales joked: "Let's hope it will survive."
The tree planting project, known as the Queen's Green Canopy, will see communities, charities, councils, cities, businesses and landowners unite to plant healthy native trees that will thrive. With an aim to "create a lasting legacy", Brits are encouraged to plant a tree of their own between October and March to better the chance of survival.
During her reign, the Queen has impressively planted more than 1,500 trees all over the world, so there really is no better way for us all to slip on our gardening gloves and celebrate her reign.
This is the Queen's first public engagement since her summer break in Balmoral, where she spent time with friends and family. Last month, Her Majesty missed the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2021 for the first time since 2005.
Speaking about the Queen's visit, Crathie Primary School headteacher Lilian Field told The Telegraph: "Being out in the forest really helps the children's self-confidence, building initiative and for mental health and well-being as well, especially after lockdown.
"It was a lovely occasion for us. Giving a card is something we do every year after the Queen finishes her holiday at Balmoral, but this is the first time we've given her it in person. We made quite a special card this year. Every child made a picture of a tree and we put it together in a concertina-like way. We're just hoping the Queen has a big desk she can stretch it out on."
What the British royal family looked like the year you were born
1916: Taking a Ride
Queen Mary and King George V leave Buckingham Palace.
1917: At the Club
King George V, Queen Mary, and the Prince of Wales are seen out in front of the British Officers' club.
1918: A Royal Anniversary
King George V and Queen Mary celebrate their silver anniversary. They married July 6, 1883.
1919: Family Outing
King George V, Queen Mary, and their youngest son Prince John leave the Great Allied War Photographic Exhibition.
1920: The Duke
The future King George VI (then named Albert) is made Duke of York. Here, he poses while dressed in his robes for the House of Lords.
1921: Game Time
The Duke of York kicks off a charity football game between Tottenham Hotspurs and Corinthians.
1922: A Royal Wedding
Princess Mary marries Viscount Lascelles.
1923: Another Royal Wedding
The Duke of York (the future King George VI) marries Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (the future Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mother). Also this year, Princess Mary gives birth to George Lascelles (7th Earl of of Harewood).
1924: A Royal Baby
Princess Mary gives birth to a son, Gerald Lascelles.
1925: Family Getaway
The Duke of Kent, Queen Mary, Elizabeth, Duchess of York, and George, Duke of York visit Balmoral Castle.
1926: A Future Queen is Born
The Duke and Duchess of York hold Elizabeth (the future Queen Elizabeth II) at her christening.
1931: Anniversary Celebration
The Duke and Duchess of York accompany Princesses Elizabeth and niece Diana, at Glamis Castle in Angus, Scotland, for the Golden Wedding celebrations of the Earl and Countess of Strathmore, the Duchess's parents.
1932: Joining the Grandparents
Princess Elizabeth accompanies King George V and Queen Mary to a church service at Crathie, near Balmoral.
1933: Three Royal Generations
King George V, the Duke and Duchess of York, and Princess Elizabeth take a trip in the Royal carriage.
1934: A Royal Wedding
Prince George, Duke of Kent (son of George V and Queen Mary) marries Princess Marina.
1935: King George V's Silver Jubilee
Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret wave from the balcony with King George V and Queen Mary. Also this year, Prince Henry (son of George V and Queen Mary) marries Lady Alice Montagu Douglas Scott, and King George V's sister, Princess Victoria, dies.
1936: Funeral For a King
King George V dies, Edward ascends to become King Edward VIII, then abdicates the throne 326 days later to marry Wallis Simpson. Here, he walks in his father's funeral procession with his brothers.
1937: A New King
After his brother abdicates the throne, the Duke of York becomes King George VI. Here, we see His Royal Highness with Queen Elizabeth and Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret on Coronation Day.
1938: Royal Watching
Queen Elizabeth, King George VI, Queen Mary (centre) and Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret observe the presentation of new colours to Grenadier Guards at Buckingham Palace.
1939: King's Chorus
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth sing a song at the King's Camp at Abergeldie Castle, with Princesses Margaret and Elizabeth.
1940: The Dawn of a Difficult Time
The family poses together. Later this year, Buckingham Palace would be bombed during the Blitz, then again in November.
1941: A Stiff Upper Lip
The King and Queen stayed in London during the war, and could be frequently out in public surveying damage. Here, they visit Salford.
1952: The End of an Era
King George VI dies on February 6th. Princess Elizabeth becomes Queen Elizabeth II, with Queen Elizabeth taking the name "Queen Mother" to avoid confusion between the two. Here, they watch the funeral proceedings.
1953: The Beginning of an Era
Queen Mary dies on March 24th. The coronation of Queen Elizabeth takes place on June 2nd.
1954: Royal Wave
Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Prince Charles, and Princess Anne salute the crowd from the balcony at Buckingham Palace following a trip around the world.
1955: A (Minor) Scandal
Princess Margaret calls off plans to marry Captain Peter Townsend after not getting the required consent from her sister. Townsend was Equarry to King George VI and also Queen Elizabeth II.
1956: Two Queens
The Queen and the Queen mother sit on the grass to watch the Badminton Horse Trials.
1957: A Royal Driver
Queen Elizabeth II takes a ride with Prince Charles and Princess Anne as passengers.
1958: At the Races
Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth II, and the Queen Mother visit the Epsom Downs Racecourse for the Derby.
1959: Family Time
Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Prince Charles, and Princess Anne relax with Sugar, the Queen's corgi.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
