THE QUEEN radiated summer blooms during a surprise hospice visit to support patients.
The 96-year-old monarch was joined by her daughter Princess Anne to open a new center at Thames Hospice.
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The monarch traveled the short distance from her home in Windsor Castle to Maidenhead to visit the hospice to meet staff, volunteers and a patient.
For over 30 years, the hospice has provided palliative and end-of-life care and support to people in East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire.
The services are free to those in need of care, and more than 50% of the £13 million annual operating cost comes from charitable support.
On Tuesday, the Queen celebrated the achievements of the NHS over the decades by awarding the institution the George Cross at a ceremony she hosted in Windsor.
The 96-year-old head of state was joined by the Prince of Wales for the event where health leaders from the four home countries each received the medal.