QUEEN ELIZABETH BEHIND PALACE WALLS

CLOSER REVEALS THE PRIVATE HABITS AND INDULGENCES OF THE BELOVED BRITISH MONARCH

- Natalie Posner

Later this month Queen Elizabeth II is expected to return to Windsor Castle after a long summer holiday at Balmoral in Scotland. Despite mobility issues, which have reduced her number of public appearances, the queen remains active and engaged in her royal duties and the lives of her extended family. "She's had to modify her daily schedule, but she's totally on the ball," says a royals insider.

At 96, Elizabeth has found a routine that suits her. She still works every day, keeping up with the news, correspondence and briefings, but for the first time in her 70year reign, she has more time to herself. "When she's feeling good, she still takes a daily walk with her cane around the castle grounds or goes to visit her horses," says the insider.