The Queen also missed Friday’s Jubilee thanksgiving service after experiencing “discomfort” during Thursday’s Trooping the Colour parade.
Princess Anne.James Whatling / MEGA
Zara and Mike Tindall.James Whatling / MEGA
As Anne greeted the honor guard, she was overheard saying, “You had to stand here waiting for us — I’m sorry to interrupt. Good luck!”
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Zara also wished the trainers and owners “good luck,” telling the group: “I’m so excited. I’ve never been.”
“Everyone has had such a tricky time over the last two years, so actually to have everyone together and to be able to do these occasions together and celebrate an amazing lady has been amazing. And this is my first time here, so I’m really excited to be here,” she continued.
Zara Tindall.Andrew Redington/Getty Images
Of the Queen’s absence, Mike said, “She would be definitely be watching. She is way more knowledgeable than probably most of us here and absolutely loves her horses. It is a passion of her life and she will know exactly what’s going on. And she’s got runners all over today, so she’s busy.”
The outing was a family affair — Anne’s son Peter Phillips also joined, making his public debut with his new girlfriend Lindsay Wallace. Phillips and his wife Autumn (née Kelly)announced their separationin February 2020. The former couple, who share two daughters, finalized their divorce last June.
Lindsay Wallace and Peter Phillips.David Davies/PA Images via Getty
American jockey Steve Cauthen, who was part of the honor guard, tells PEOPLE: “I used to do some charity work with the Princess Royal, so it was great to see her. It’s just a great atmosphere and a great day. Thank goodness the sun came out!
“I am honored to be asked to come and to be here. The fact it’s Jubilee day makes it even more special. Obviously, we all wish the Queen could be here but I’m staying through Ascot, so I’m hoping maybe at some point I’ll be able to see her.”
Imelda Staunton (second right).Andrew Matthews/PA Images via Getty Images
“It’s a great privilege to play The Queen, and obviously very daunting to be doing that. But it’s a huge responsibility which I take on gladly. You’re playing this country’s biggest icon,” she said.
Princess Anne.Andrew Redington/Getty Images
Throughout her life,Queen Elizabethhas always had a fondness for horses and was given her first horse (a Shetland pony) when she was just 4 years old. She’s also been known to get animated at horse racing events, enthusiastically cheering for her horses.
However, she reportedlyhasn’t ridden since early September.
“She was in quite a bit of discomfort,” a source toldThe Sunin October. “She adores riding, and it has been part of her ritual for most of her life. She has been extremely disappointed not to go riding since the beginning of September.”
Despite this, the royal great-grandmother still has a knowledge of horses that is second to none.
Queen Elizabeth.Chris Jackson/Getty
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“It goes back to wartime, when she first went to Newmarket, when her father gave her this horse. She really got excited about the horse racing,” he added.
“It’s not just the horse racing she enjoys, she enjoys the breeding side of it,” Carson, who has ridden more winners for the Queen than any other jockey, continued. “She likes to know from trainers how the horse is behaving and its attitude, its temperament. She wants to know those things.
Queen Elizabeth.henry dallal photography
“That’s what she’s really interested in. The winning post is the end result and she enjoys that, of course, but she enjoys everything before you get to the winning post. That gives her the most pleasure.”
source: people.com
