Queen Elizabeth Surprised Royal Fans with Her First Public Appearance in 7 Months (& Prince William Tagged Along)

_Queen Elizabeth attended her first public engagement since March today, a rare joint appearance with her grandson Prince William.

On Thursday, the 94-year-old monarch and the Duke of Cambridge visited the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) near Salisbury to formally open the new Energetics Analysis Centre. During the outing, the duo viewed a demonstration of a Forensic Explosives Investigation and met staff employed in counter-terrorism and security as well as members of the military.

They also spoke to scientists providing vital support to the U.K. response to the COVID-19 pandemic, working in analytic research areas and deploying microbiologists to NHS hospitals to increase testing capacities. And in recognition of their service, William presented the Firmin Sword of Peace to members of the army's 102 Logistic Brigade.

For the occasion, Elizabeth opted for a pink coat by Stewart Parvin and a matching hat by Rachel Trevor-Morgan.

The event not only marked the first time the queen has attended a public engagement in seven months (although she did leave lockdown for a special knighting ceremony outside of Windsor Castle in July) but it's also the first time in two years she and Will have done a solo joint outing. Their last was a visit to Grenfell Tower in 2017 after a fire struck the London apartment block, killing more than 70 people.

And now that William is stepping up his preparations to be the future king, it's likely he will be joining Her Majesty on more engagements to learn the ropes. In fact, per People, royal aides confirm the two have “carried out a number of lunches at the palace together.”

We’re looking forward to seeing more joint outings from these two.

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