Queen Elizabeth II Looks Chic In Blue Dress Coat And Matching Hat During Visit To New Lion Enclosure

Queen Elizabeth II looked chic in a pale blue dress coat and matching hat during a visit to ZSL London Zoo on Thursday morning. She was accompanied by her husband Prince Philip to open the new Land of the Lions enclosure, which will initially house four endangered Asiatic lions. It will also serve as a new center for breeding the lions.

The 89-year-old Elizabeth wore a pale blue coat and matching hat which had an exquisite feather detailing. The British monarch appeared to be in good spirits as she was taken on a tour of the zoo by a group of staff with her husband by her side. Elizabeth’s coat featured an asymmetrical collar, long sleeves and a button down front that had oversize pale blue buttons matching the ensemble.

She paired her outfit with black gloves, a small matching handbag and a pair of black loafers. She accessorized with a pair of pearl drop earrings and a three-string pearl necklace. Known for her huge hat collection, Elizabeth wore a pale blue hat to match her outfit.

The asymmetric hat also had a matching oversize feather on one side. The queen also wore a matching pearl brooch that was pinned to her coat collar. The queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were among the first people to get a glimpse at the lions in their new enclosure, which has cost £5.2million to develop.

They spoke with members of the exhibit delivery team, zoo keepers and members of a conservation group before unveiling a plaque to commemorate the official opening of the exhibit. Prince Philip prompted laughter from a group of zoo keepers when he asked them if they still had their hands, arms and legs. He recounted his trip to the Gir Forest in Gujarat, India years ago when he did not sight a single lion even after driving all day.

The new Asiatic lion zoo enclosure is spread over 2,500sqm and has been inspired by the Gir Forest in India. It has rickshaws, bicycles, sacks of spices and a life-sized truck dotting both inside and out of the lion’s space. The Land of the Lions enclosure will officially open to the public on March 25.

The Queen finds out more about #LandoftheLions, which will support a global breeding effort for Asiatic Lionshttps://t.co/gsRwu0MDQd

— BritishMonarchy (@BritishMonarchy) March 17, 2016