HM’s granddaughter takes the reins from Prince Philip
LADY Louise Mountbatten-Windsor is to drive the Duke of Edinburgh’s carriage in the Royal Windsor Horse Show’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations that will pay tribute to the Queen and Duke’s contribution to equestrianism.
The late Duke’s carriage, seen carrying his cap, gloves and a pot of sugar lumps at his Windsor Castle funeral, will appear in the evening gala, driven by his 18-year-old granddaughter, who shares his passion for the hobby.
It will be a discreet tribute to the Duke, who will also be remembered when fell ponies, the breed that pulled his carriages, march past the Royal box as part of the Fell Pony Society’s 100th anniversary this year.
This year’s Royal Windsor Horse Show will particularly focus on celebrating the Queen and Duke’s littleknown efforts to help save rare breed ponies and horses by championing them in Her Majesty’s own stables.
While her dream of finally winning the Epsom Derby in her Jubilee year is over, thanks to all three of her horses withdrawing from the race this week, she will likely have no shortage of champions at the show, having entered double her usual number of horses.
She will show 41 animals, compared with 23 or 24 in a usual year, organisers said, reflecting the quality of her entries as well as the “pretty special year”.
It is hoped that the Queen will be able to attend the Royal Windsor Horse Show as usual despite her recent mobility problems.
It is held outside the Queen’s back door on the castle’s estate and is considered a private event, with Her Majesty often surprising fellow ticket holders by turning up unannounced to see her beloved animals in action.
During the evenings of May 12 to 15, there will be televised gala performances, in which the audience will be taken on a 90-minute “gallop through history”, featuring 500 horses and 1,000 performers from around the world, as well as celebrities such as Dame Helen Mirren, Damian Lewis and Tom Cruise.
The Queen is hoping to attend the final night.