Queen’s horses romp in for £178k

PEOPLE keep saying the Queen has suffered another annus horribilis, but this weekend she’s celebrating.

Her Majesty sold nine horses for a total of more than 170,000 guineas [£178,500] at Tattersalls Newmarket, the oldest bloodstock auctioneer in the world.

One horse, which she presciently called Shrewdness, fetched 50,000 guineas [£52,500], while another, Sharp Practice, went under the hammer for 5,000 [£5,250]. Jimmy George, of Tattersalls, tells me: ‘Her Majesty breeds racehorses very successfully and they are always highly sought after.’

The Royal Family enjoy buying each other cheap Christmas presents, but perhaps this year the Queen could treat herself to something special?

TELEVISION’S poshest reporter has become engaged — and her fiance is suitably pukka.

Sky News correspondent Ali Fortescue, 28- year- old granddaughter of the 6th Earl Fortescue, is to wed Eton- educated barrister Fred Alliott. ‘Hearts will be broken across the newsroom,’ one of her colleagues tells me.

Award- winning Ali confirms she’s engaged to fellow Oxford graduate Fred, but declines to say when the wedding will be.

PRINCE CHARLES has made millions for his charities with his Duchy Originals food range, and now one of his relations could put her name to a fashion range. Prince Michael of Kent’s daughter, lady Gabriella Windsor, tells me: ‘I love fashion, and I love the idea of designing something.’ speaking at a private party, the 38-year-old consultant adds: ‘I think a collaboration with a brand would be very exciting. I haven’t designed anything before, but who knows what might happen.’ Doubt she’d be allowed to use the Windsor name, though.