Queen makes rare personal public appearance for sad occasion

Yesterday Queen Elizabeth II made a rare personal appearance, to attend the funeral of one of her closest friends, Jeanie, Countess of Carnarvon.

It's rare for the monarch to make personal trips like this, showing just how close the pair were.

The Countess of Carnarvon was 83 when she passed away on 11th April, although it's not known how she died.

The funeral service was held at Highclere Castle in Newbury - the famous site where the popular ITV drama series Downton Abbey was filmed.

Jeanie was the widow of the 7th Earl of Carnarvon, and the couple were former custodians of the now hugely famous castle. However, it's now inhabited by the current Earl and Lady Carnarvon, during the winter months, with the couple returning to their private cottage during the summer when the castle is open to the public for visits.

At the funeral, the Queen was greeted by George Herbert, the current Earl of Carnarvon, who is Jeanie's son, and also her godson.

The Duchess of Cornwall's ex-husband Andrew Parker Bowles was also in attendance at the funeral, as a friend of the late Countess.

The Queen and the Countess of Carnarvon spent plenty of time together over the years, and counted one another as good friends - so it was likely a very sad occasion for the monarch.

Queen Elizabeth II wore a stylish monochrome ensemble to the funeral, complete with a diamond brooch and black gloves.

It's been a busy month for the monarch, who recently celebrated her 93rd birthday on Easter Sunday. The Queen also celebrated the birth of her sixth great-grandchild Prince Louis on 23rd April - and will soon be looking forward to the birth of her eighth great-grandchild, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's first baby.

Her son Prince Charles also celebrated his 14th wedding anniversary with Duchess Camilla - April is certainly a busy month for the royals!