The Archbishop of Canterbury, Most Rev Justin Welby, has awarded the Queen the Canterbury Cross during an in-person meeting at Windsor Castle.

The honour was bestowed upon Her Majesty for her "unstinting service" to the Church of England over her 70-year reign. 

The cross has a triquetra pattern, symbolic of the churches "love, loyalty and affection." 

Throughout the Platinum Jubilee, clergy reflected on the Queen's strong Christian beliefs; as Monarch, she is Supreme Governor of the Church of England and Defender of the Faith. 

More than 70 years ago, when she acceded the throne, Her Majesty said: "Pray for me...that God may give me wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promises I shall be making, and that I may faithfully serve him and you, all the days of my life."

In more recent years she has described her faith as "the anchor of my life." 

The photographs, taken inside the Berkshire residence, mark the first time the Monarch has been seen without a walking stick in recent months. 

The Royal Family confirmed the meeting via their social media pages, saying: "Today at Windsor Castle, the Queen received the Archbishop of Canterbury for an audience.

"In this Platinum Jubilee year, the Archbishop presented Her Majesty with a special 'Canterbury Cross' in recognition of her service to the Church of England over seventy years."