A beaming Queen made a surprise visit to Paddington Station today to see the completed Elizabeth Line with her son Prince Edward - days after cancelling her appearance at the State Opening of Parliament due to 'mobility issues'.

The 96-year-old, who now rarely carries out public engagements outside of her royal residences and was carrying a walking cane, picked up a limited edition Elizabeth Line Oyster card which had been topped up with £5. She then chatted with Crossrail staff, who showed her how to use a ticket machine.