The Queen's busy October schedule ahead of night in hospital

Getty Images Britain's Queen Elizabeth II (C) and Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson (L) greet guests during a reception to mark the Global Investment Summit, at Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London on October 19, 2021Getty Images

The Queen has been told by her doctors to rest for two weeks and only undertake light duties until mid-November.

Earlier this month, she spent a night in hospital for some medical investigations - her first overnight hospital stay in eight years.

But that followed a particularly busy few weeks of public engagements across the UK for the 95-year-old monarch.

1 October

The Queen began the month at her Balmoral Estate in Scotland, where she helped to plant a tree with the Prince of Wales.

The pair were promoting their campaign urging people across the UK to plant a tree ahead of the Platinum Jubilee next year. She and Prince Charles met primary school children during the event.

Getty Images Prince Charles and the Queen planting a treeGetty Images
Prince Charles, known as the Duke of Rothesay when in Scotland, planted a tree with his mother for the Queen's Green Canopy campaign
Getty Images Britain's Queen Elizabeth II interacts with school children from Crathie Primary before planting a tree at Balmoral Cricket Pavilion with Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, to mark the start of the official planting season for the Queen's Green Canopy (QGC), on the Balmoral Estate in Scotland on October 1, 2021.Getty Images
The monarch spoke with schoolchildren from Crathie Primary at the event

2 October

The following day, the Queen was more than 100 miles away in Edinburgh for the opening of the sixth session of the Scottish Parliament.

It was the first time she had attended the ceremony without Prince Philip, who died this year aged 99. During her speech, she spoke of her deep affection for Scotland.

Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay when in Scotland arrive for the opening of the sixth session of the Scottish Parliament on October 02, 2021Getty Images

6 October

A few days later, the Queen held audiences with diplomats from Belize and Greece over video call.

The same day, she met members of the Canadian Army at Windsor Castle at an event to mark the 150th anniversary of the A and B batteries of the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery. She later had a telephone call with Boris Johnson.

Getty Images Britain's Queen Elizabeth II (R) gestures as she presents The Captain General's Sword to representatives of the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery to mark the 150th Anniversary of the foundation of A and B Batteries, on the Parade Ground of Windsor CastleGetty Images
The Queen presented the Captain General's Sword to representatives of the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery

7 October

The Queen then travelled to London to attend the launch of the Commonwealth Games baton relay at Buckingham Palace.

It was her first major event at Buckingham Palace since the Covid pandemic began and she was joined by her youngest son, Prince Edward.

Getty Images Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex (Vice-Patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation) and Queen Elizabeth II (Patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation) attend the launch of the Queen's Baton Relay for Birmingham 2022, the XXII Commonwealth Games at Buckingham Palace on October 7, 2021 in London,Getty Images
The Queen placed a message in the baton, which will travel through 72 Commonwealth nations and territories ahead of the Games in 2022

12 October

A few days later she attended a church service at Westminster Abbey to mark the centenary of The Royal British Legion.

Accompanied by the Princess Royal, she was seen using a walking stick as she arrived via the Poet's Yard entrance.

Getty Images Britain's Queen Elizabeth II (R) and Britain's Princess Anne, Princess Royal (L) arrive to attend a Service of Thanksgiving to mark the Centenary of the Royal British Legion at Westminster Abbey in London on October 12, 2021.Getty Images
The Westminster Abbey service was thought to be the first time the Queen had used a stick at a major public event

13 October

The Queen welcomed pianist Dame Imogen Cooper to Buckingham Palace, presenting her with The Queen's Medal for Music for 2019.

She also held three other audiences.

Getty Images Dame Imogen Cooper is received by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace where she was presented with The Queen's Medal for Music for 2019 on October 13, 2021Getty Images
The Queen's Medal for Music is awarded each year and 2019's went to English classical pianist Imogen Cooper

14 October

The following day, the Queen travelled to Cardiff to open the sixth term of the Senedd.

It was her first visit to Wales in five years, and she praised the spirit of the Welsh people during the pandemic.

While there, she was overheard appearing to say she was irritated by people who "talk" but "don't do" anything on climate change.

Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II addresses the Senedd inside the Siambr (Chamber) during the ceremonial opening of the Sixth Senedd at The Senedd on October 14, 2021 in Cardiff, WalesGetty Images
A 21-gun salute in Cardiff Bay marked the Queen's arrival in the city

16 October

By Saturday she was back in England - attending Champions Day at Ascot racecourse in Berkshire.

Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II during the Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot Racecourse on October 16, 2021 in Ascot, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)Getty Images
The Queen has a lifelong love of horseracing

18 October

The Queen held a virtual audience with the new governor-general of New Zealand Dame Cindy Kiro. The governor-general's role is to act as the Queen's representative in New Zealand.

19 October

On Tuesday she had two virtual audiences during the day with the Japanese ambassador and the EU ambassador.

Then in the evening she was back at Windsor Castle hosting a reception for guests attending the Global Investment Summit, including billionaire business leaders like Microsoft's Bill Gates.

Getty Images Britain's Queen Elizabeth II (L) greets Microsoft co-founder turned philanthropist Bill Gates (R)Getty Images
The Queen was joined by the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge at the reception