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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Andrew Bardsley

The Queen seen in public for first time wearing face mask as she attends Westminster Abbey

The Queen has appeared in public for the first time wearing a face mask.

She wore a black face covering as she attended a memorial event, her first public engagement since March.

The Westminster Abbey service was held to mark the centenary of the burial of the Unknown Warrior.

His body was brought to the capital from France, and buried to remember all those who died in war.

The Queen's wedding was held at the Abbey in 1947, and she laid flowers based on her wedding bouquet, at the Unknown Warrior's final resting place.

A larger memorial event which had been planned had to be cancelled because of the pandemic.

The event was attended by just Dr David Hoyle, the Dean of Westminster, and the Queen’s Equerry, Major Nana Kofi Twumasi-Ankrah.

After the service on Wednesday, the Dean of Westminster, said: "It was wonderful to see Her Majesty in such good spirits and good health.

"We talked about the centenary and the life of the Abbey. This is the place where she was married and she’s conscious of those associations.

The Queen with the Dean Of Westminster Abbey, David Hoyle (PA)

"This is a moment where the Abbey does its job as the national place of worship. The story of the unknown warrior touches us all. It’s very hard for all churches to shut their doors, it goes against everything we are ordained to do, which is to gather people together.

"Like so many communities, we’re divided and that’s difficult. It is very special for Her Majesty to do this, given the current restrictions.

"I know, because people tell me, that these moments when Her Majesty is in the Abbey gives us a sense of renewed purpose and encouragement. It makes us feel very privileged."

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