Queen pictured wearing face mask for the first time to mark the 100th anniversary of the Unknown Warrior

Monarch’s black mask edged in white matched her outfit for the occasion

(PA)

The Queen has been pictured wearing a face mask in public for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began.

On Saturday, the Monarch was photographed at Westminster Abbey to mark the centenary of an interment known as “The Unknown Warrior”, an anonymous soldier who fought in the First World War. 

The body, whose remains are unidentified, represents British soldiers who died while serving their country. 

It was brought from France to be buried in England on 7 November 1920.

The Queen paid a visit to the grave to mark 100 years since the burial and, in line with government guidelines, wore a face covering for the occasion.

The head of state was photographed leaving a bouquet of flowers at the grave while wearing a black button-up coat and hat with a matching black mask that is believed to have been made by Angela Kelly, her personal advisor and curator.

There was a brief service to accompany the occasion, attended by the Dr David Hoyle, the Dean of Westminster, and the Queen's Equerry, Lieutenant Colonel Nana Kofi Twumasi-Ankrah.

The event marks the Queen’s first public engagement since March. 

Dr Hoyle commented: "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 wore a black face mask with a white trim for the occasion. (PA)

Dr Hoyle continued: "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."

The visit comes after the Queen was criticised for not wearing a face covering in October when she visited the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory at Porton Down with the Duke of Cambridge.

Face coverings are mandatory in the UK in certain indoor settings, including places of worship, supermarkets and public transport.