HAPPY AND GLORIOUS! Queen’s day off at her horse show
NEVER happier than when near horses, the Queen enjoyed one of her favourite days of the year yesterday.
Looking relaxed in quilted jacket, cardigan and tweed skirt, she made the most of the spring sunshine to follow the action at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
The five-day show, held in the private grounds of Windsor Castle, is now in its 75th year and the Queen is believed to have attended every year since it began as a wartime fundraising event in 1943.
The show sees riders taking part in a range of events from show jumping to dressage, along with displays from The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and The Pony Club.
The Queen kept cool in the shelter of her own wooden hut as she watched the proceedings on the first day. She was seen holding a pink rosette after one of her horses finished fifth in an early event.
These days the Queen watches rather than taking part herself, but Prince Philip contested the carriage driving event well into his 80s after taking up the sport at 50.
This year granddaughter Lady Louise Windsor, daughter of Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, is expected to take part in the carriage driving.
The 96-year-old Duke may not see her performance as he is still recovering from his hip operation.
But the Queen is thought highly likely to see more of the five-day horse show, which runs until May 13.
It is such a must-see event in her diary it is thought likely that the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle was delayed to May 19 so as not to clash.
SEEING pictures of the Queen enjoying herself at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, it is impossible not to be moved by this remarkable woman and all she represents. In this very uncertain world, which seems to be becoming more so by the minute, Her Majesty is one of the great constants of our time, clearly taking her place among the greatest monarchs in our history.
When we see extremism flourishing elsewhere, with leaders indulging in the politics of the playground, it can only make us value her more.
Elizabeth II’s sense of purpose and service to her country have been extraordinary to behold. As a country we will never be able to repay our debt of gratitude. She is going to be a very hard act to follow. We fervently hope that no one will have to do that for many years to come.