Princess Anne is a real bar thug.
On Saturday, the 71-year-old Queen took part in the 243rd running of the Epsom Derby, replacing her mother, Queen Elizabeth, who was unable to attend.
It is only the third time the 96-year-old monarch has missed the annual racing event. She missed it in 1956 while on a state visit to Sweden and in 1984 while attending a D-Day memorial in France.
The Queen had to say goodbye after experiencing “discomfort” during Thursday’s Trooping the Color parade. She also missed Friday’s Jubilee Thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral.
However, she followed the negotiations on television, reports People Magazine.
“We wish Her Majesty the Queen a wonderful Platinum Jubilee. It is a rare occasion that The Queen is unable to join us at Epsom Downs but we are delighted that she is planning to enjoy Derby Day on television,” said Phil White, London Regional Director for The Jockey Club, ahead of the Run.
Princess Anne was joined by her daughter Zara Tindall and Zara’s husband Mike Tindall. PA Images via Getty Images
Anne was joined by her son Peter Phillips, daughter Zara Tindall and son-in-law former England rugby player Mike Tindall.
They were greeted at the circuit by a special guard of honor made up of 40 royal jockeys wearing the Queen’s purple and gold racing colours.
Princess Anne is also a keen equestrian, having competed in the three-day horse show at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Zara is a professional equestrian and won a silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics. The medal was presented to her by her mother.
Princess Anne’s son Peter Phillips was also at the races. REUTERS
The monarch has long been an avid racer and horse lover.
Last April, the royal family shared a photo to celebrate the Queen’s 96th birthday. In it, she happily posed while standing between two of her beloved furry ponies, Bybeck Nightingale and Bybeck Katie.