The surprising reason the Queen wore a shawl instead of a coat to Platinum Jubilee celebrations revealed

The Queen wore a grey shawl instead of a coat at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in celebration of her Platinum Jubilee on Sunday – and no, she didn't decide it on a whim. 

• The Queen wore a sparkling grey shawl with a matching cardigan on the final evening of the Royal Windsor Horse Show on Sunday. 
• Her Majesty ditched her usual bright coats for the softer look to watch A Gallop Through History, an equestrian event in honor of her Platinum Jubilee. 
• In other royal news, why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle don't want to be included in royal 'balcony moment' at Queen's Jubilee.
  

The Queen looked fittingly majestic at the Royal Windsor Horse Show on Sunday, showing up to a star-studded Platinum Jubilee performance in a grey shawl and cardigan over a pastel blue dress. 

The exciting appearance marks Her Majesty's second public outing in three days, having already attended Lady Louise Windsor's tribute to Prince Philip on Friday. Prior to this, the 96-year-old had not been seen outside of Windsor Castle since Prince Philip's memorial at Westminster Abbey in March. She also missed the State Opening of Parliament last week due to 'episodic mobility issues'. 

The Queen appeared well enough, however, to attend last night's 'A Gallop Through History'. The equestrian event, which featured 1,300 performers and 500 horses,  was performed in honor of the great-grandmother's 70-year-long reign. 

The Head of State was greeted by a standing ovation from the 5,000-strong audience, before being escorted by the youngest of the Queen's children, Prince Edward, to the Royal Box to watch the spectacle begin. Her Majesty also used a walking stick to help her travel more comfortably from her Range Rover to her designated seat.

The extravagant event saw the participation of A-list celebrities, including Tom Cruise and Katherine Jenkins, as well as Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren, who played Queen Elizabeth I in the first Elizabethan age. 

The Queen was shown smiling broadly throughout the production and even acknowledging comedian Omid Djalili's witty joke during his narration as The Herald. 

"Thank you for choosing us over the State Opening of Parliament," he quipped, prompting the royal matriarch to wave a hand in response. 

The Queen's fashion at A Gallop Through History also had heads turning, as folks pointed out the unusual choice of attire for an outdoor event. 

Rather than wear one of her signature colorful coats, Her Majesty opted for a large grey shawl and a matching cardigan to stay warm throughout the performance. According to royal protocol, the removal of coats in public is considered not to be ladylike. Royal ladies are encouraged to either ditch the coat altogether or commit to a happy medium, such as a shawl or light jacket, rather than risk getting too hot and having to change their outfits in front of others.