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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Russell Myers & Jennifer Newton

Queen heads to Balmoral for short break to prepare for Platinum Jubilee celebrations

The Queen has travelled to Scotland for a short holiday before her four-day Platinum Jubilee celebrations kick off next week.

Her Majesty travelled north of the border yesterday so she could spend some time at her Balmoral estate ahead of her busy schedule, which begins on Thursday.

The monarch has attended a number of high-profile engagements in recent weeks and it is understood she is now pacing herself before the national events start.

It is understood the Queen arrived at her private Scottish home on Thursday. She usually visits Scotland at this time of year.

In recent months, the Queen has been forced to pull out of several high-profile events including the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey and the State Opening of Parliament due to her mobility issues.

The Queen, who is currently enjoying a short break at Balmoral (Getty Images)

However, she has been well enough to make appearances at the Royal Windsor Horse Show and Paddington Station for the official opening of the new Elizabeth Line.

On Monday, she also toured the Chelsea Flower Show but was chauffeured around by buggy - enjoying the creations of some of the world’s top garden designers from the comfort of the back seat.

The Queen in her golf buggy at the Chelsea Flower Show earlier this week (PA)

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The 96-year-old is celebrating her 70th year on the throne with her Platinum Jubilee - making the event even more special is the fact she's the first British monarch to do so.

The celebrations will start on Thursday with Trooping the Colour, which will see members of Royal Family enjoying horse-drawn carriage rides and wave from the balcony at Buckingham Palace.

After "careful consideration", the Queen has decided to ban Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Prince Andrew from appearing beside her - limiting relatives on the balcony to working royals only.

The Queen on a visit to Paddington Station last week (Getty Images)

Next Friday will start with the tolling of the St Paul's Cathedral bell in London to mark a Thanksgiving service that is expected to be attended by all members of her family - including Harry and Meghan.

On the Saturday, the Queen is expected at the Epsom Derby alongside other members of her family before the Platinum Party at the Palace event - a music concert at Buckingham Palace - takes place.

The final day of the four-day special Bank Holiday weekend, the Sunday, will start at midday with more than 60,000 people across the width and breadth of Britain hosting Big Jubilee Lunches.

After the plates and tables are cleared away, a 10,000-strong group of Brits will tell the story of Her Majesty's reign in a 12-act pageant.

The parade, which will include appearances from the likes of Ed Sheeran, will start in Parliament Square before travelling along Whitehall and up the Mall.

At the pageant's final destination, Ed will lead tributes to the Queen.

What are you doing to celebrate the Jubilee? Email yourmirror@mirror.co.uk.

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