THE QUEEN REINS AGAIN
Her Majesty riding high in first photo since lockdown
THE Queen has been seen outside for the first time since lockdown began, taking part in her favourite exercise – horse riding.
Pictured on Balmoral Fern, a 14-year-old Fell pony, the 94-year-old monarch looked in her element in a secluded corner of Home Park at Windsor.
She has been passionate about horses since she was a little girl and has bred racehorses throughout her 68-year reign.
Wearing a colourful headscarf and smartly dressed in a tweed jacket, jodhpurs, white gloves and boots, Her Majesty cheered the nation as she enjoyed the sunny weather that has been such a contrast to the sombre mood of lockdown.
While she has made two TV addresses to the nation during the lockdown, the last public picture was taken on March 19 as she was driven away from Buckingham Palace to base herself at Windsor for the foreseeable future.
WE’VE waited so long for the coronavirus lockdown to end that it may feel strange, especially to those who have been shielding, when some of the restrictions are eased today and many children start to go back to school.
Most, however, will welcome it. There are those of course, such as our NHS heroes, who have worked continuously and who might have been only too grateful for a period of personal lockdown.
There is a reckless minority which has already begun to ignore guidelines. There are others who may feel it is all happening too soon and are nervous about stepping back into the outside world.
For the health of our economy and our minds, we need to get back to something like normal. Businesses need to earn; people need to socialise with family and friends; children need to get back to learning.
We just need to do it sensibly and not lose sight of the need to wash our hands, to keep our social distance and to use our common sense.