The Queen’s “non-negotiable” passion could be seen to have shaped the Jubilee celebrations as it’s claimed it “says quite a lot” that plans fit around one major event.
- Her Majesty is known for her love of horses and it’s been revealed they’re a “great equalizer” for the monarch.
- It’s been suggested that it’s quite significant the Jubilee schedule works around the Epsom Derby plans so that the Queen could attend.
- This royal news comes as Emma Raducanu revealed the Queen's sweet gesture was a 'pinch me' moment for the tennis star.
In recent months reports have suggested the Queen’s favorite past-time of riding is now somewhat bittersweet as it was claimed she’d paused horse riding due to “discomfort”. However, this hasn’t stopped Her Majesty continuing to take a keen interest in her animals and she was spotted being driven to check up on her horses at Sandringham in April. Whilst the Queen beamed with sheer joy as she received an incredibly rare gift of a Karabakh horse from the President of Azerbaijan this month.
It seems that horses and equestrian pursuits remain the Queen’s “non-negotiable” passion and it could even be seen to have shaped the Jubilee celebrations…
Getting candid with Harper’s Bazaar about the Queen being a life-long equine enthusiast, broadcaster and former champion jockey Clare Balding discussed how it’s definitely not all about the win but the overall racing experience for Britain’s longest reigning monarch.
The Queen gave Clare and her brother a Shetland pony of their own, Valkyrie, who they learnt to ride on in childhood as their father trained some of Her Majesty’s horses.
“Her Majesty was always so thrilled to see her,” Clare recalled. “While she is passionate and exceptionally knowledgeable about racing, her love of horses isn’t just about sporting achievement. You can see this in her enthusiasm for Highland ponies - naughty, stocky little things.”
She continued, “If one of hers comes top in show, they might win her a Tesco voucher or something… the prize isn’t the point. Of course, she loves a sweepstake win, too, and the gossip of the racing world.”
The broadcaster went on to suggest that horses are very grounding for Her Majesty, adding, “Horses are a great equalizer - a horse isn’t going to behave itself around her because she’s a monarch, and I think she enjoys that.”
And with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022 weekend almost here, Clare expressed her belief that it’s significant that the schedule fits around the Epsom Derby.
“It says quite a lot that some of the Jubilee celebrations have been arranged to give the Queen time to return from Epsom that evening,” she said. “Whatever the commemorations are, watching the Derby is non-negotiable”.
The Epsom Derby will take place on the Saturday of the central Jubilee weekend, it’s understood that Her Majesty and members of the extended Royal Family will be making an appearance. It’s believed that the Queen will receive a special tribute in the form of a Guard of Honor from jockeys past and present who’ve ridden her horses over the years.
The other major event taking place that day will be the Party at the Palace Jubilee concert held at Buckingham Palace later on. Whilst it’s not yet known if fans could see the Queen at both events, the timings do indeed seem to have aligned to make it at least possible for her to enjoy watching the races and enjoying some quality music!
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