Zara Tindall reveals how the Queen is spending Royal Ascot this year

Zara Tindall has revealed how the Queen will be spending Royal Ascot in the first year she can't attend the event in person.

• Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, Queen Elizabeth is unable to attend her favourite event of the year - Royal Ascot.
• Her granddaughter, Zara Tindall, has explained what Her Majesty will do instead.
• This follows royal news that The Queen thanked royal fans for their well wishes in a new letter.

What did Zara Tindall say about the Queen?

Zara and her husband, Mike, appeared via video on ITV to mark the first day of Royal Ascot 2020.

During the appearance Zara let slip how the monarch will spend Royal Ascot this year, as she can't attend in person.

Zara said, "She will be glued to the television as always and really sad not to be there.

“To be able to have some runners she will be really excited with some good prospects for the future as well."

While the Queen can't attend Royal Ascot in person, she did share a special tribute to racing fans.

The message was printed in the Royal Ascot 2020 race card.

It read, "I send my best wishes to the thousands of racing professionals and enthusiasts who will join me in celebrating this year's Royal Ascot.

"In these challenging times, we are once again delighted to welcome the best horses and jockeys from across the world and pay tribute to those who have helped make this race meeting possible.

"This year Ascot will feel different for many, as it is so often a chance for friends, families and colleagues to gather together and enjoy a shared passion.

"I am sure, however, that with the valiant efforts of the organisers, owners, trainers and stable staff, it will remain one of Britain's finest sporting occasions and a highlight of the racing calendar.

"To everyone attending Royal Ascot, in person or virtually, I hope you have a most enjoyable and unique week of racing."