The monarch, 95, attended a Westminster Abbey service on Tuesday. Her Majesty used a walking stick for what is believed to be the first time at a major public event.

       Royal author Duncan Larcombe insisted the walking stick was not a sign "the end of nigh".

       Mr Larcombe told OK! magazine: "We've seen the Queen come back from Balmoral and the only visible sign that she might be slowing down a bit is the walking stick.

       "For many years, people speculated that when Philip were to pass on, the Queen would slow down, prepare for passing on to Charles and scale back what she did.

       "I don't think the walking stick's a sign the end is nigh because you just have to look at what she's got in her diary and all that she's done in the past couple of weeks.

       "Next month she'll be involved in COP26 and all eyes will be on Scotland and The Queen will play centre stage.

       "That's a statement of intent from her and, yes, she's using a walking stick to support her but I think most people will wonder why she hasn't been doing that for 20 years given how busy she is and how much time she spends on her feet."

       The Queen used the walking stick as she attended a service marking the centenary of the Royal British Legion.

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       In another change, the monarch did not enter the abbey by her traditional route and opted for a shorter walk.

       Both developments are understood to have been tailored for the Queen's comfort.

       The 95-year-old looked radiant in royal blue for the royal engagement.

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       The Queen was pictured using a stick a number of times during 2003 and 2004, but this was after surgery to remove torn cartilage from her right knee.

       In the past, other adjustments have been made to major events to help the monarch.

       In 2016, she used a lift rather than stairs to enter Parliament for the State Opening.

       She has also not worn the heavy Imperial State Crown since 2016, and it is now placed on a deep red and gold velvet cushion during the proceedings.

       The Queen carried out an audience at Buckingham Palace without the aid of her walking stick.

       She welcomed Dame Imogen Cooper to her London royal residence to present the classical pianist with the Queen's Medal for Music.

       The monarch stood unaided in her private audience room for the engagement, examining the silver medal in its presentation box with Dame Imogen as she handed her the accolade.