The Queen pays tribute to Prince Philip in red outfit for first solo engagement since his death

It has been a matter of weeks since her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip, passed away aged 99 – but the Queen bravely put on smile this weekend to step out for her first solo engagement since his death.

Her Majesty, 95, wore a bright red ensemble to visit the HM Naval Base in Portsmouth, ahead of ship HMS Queen Elizabeth's maiden operational deployment, which will see it travel to the Philippine Sea.

Below her cashmere coat, which came complete with a velvet collar, she wore a crepe wool dress by Stewart Parvin.

As well as a matching hat, the monarch accessorised with her beloved 'scarab' brooch – a personal gift from her late other half.

The Duke of Edinburgh – who was, fittingly, a Royal Navy veteran – gave the beautiful gold piece to the Queen in 1966.

Her Majesty has worn the brooch numerous times over the years, including for their 70th wedding anniversary portrait in 2017 and for the 50th anniversary of her first Christmas broadcast in 2007.

It was designed by jeweller Andrew Grima, and features ruby and diamond embellishments.

A post showing the Queen during her Portsmouth trip, shared to her official Instagram account, received more than 360,000 'likes' from royal fans.

The Duke of Edinburgh, who the Queen married in 1947, passed away at Windsor Castle on 9 April.

Her Majesty's colourful outfit this weekend was in contrast to the more sombre ensembles she would have worn in the days following his death during the period of mourning.

Last week, she travelled to London for the first time in six months for the State Opening of Parliament.

She has spent most of the past year at her Berkshire residence, but did travel up to Scotland late last year with her husband for what was to be his final trip to Balmoral.

According to the Daily Mail, the Queen is set to travel up to the castle later this month – weeks earlier than usual – as she continues to grieve for the duke.

However, because public access to the residence remains until August, it has been reported that she will stay on a private part of the estate in the seven-bedroom Craigowan Lodge.

Balmoral is a special place for the monarch, who celebrated part of her 1947 honeymoon with the late duke there, when they stayed at the Birkhall hunting lodge.

Last year, after her final stay on the estate with him, the couple travelled to their Norfolk home, Sandringham, for two weeks.