Visit to Epsom Racecourse

The sun shone for Her Majesty when she visited Epsom racecourse in Surrey on Saturday and she was beaming with a broad smile, pleased to be at one of her favourite places on this first day of the Jubilee Weekend.  

The Queen is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the horse racing world and always looks so relaxed and happy when she is with horses and those who train and care for them.

Photo:  Racingfotos.com

Photo:PA

The Epsom Derby is one of the highlights in the racing calendar, where everyone can enjoy the atmosphere of this beautiful course with views out over the Downs and across London. Whether you have been invited to the Royal Box, paid to visit the Grandstand or take a picnic to the side of the racecourse, the sense of occasion is shared by everyone and people take the opportunity to dress-up and have a good time.

Photo: Reuters

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh were driven onto the course and greeted by cheering racegoers, then treated to the National Anthem, sung by Katherine Jenkins, followed by a spectacular parachute fall by the Red Devils, one soldier carrying a huge Union flag!

Photo: PA Wire

Photo:  AFP/Getty Images

Today was the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953 so a 41 gun salute was fired at the Tower of London, whilst other gun salutes echoed around Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.

We had a tremendous surprise when we were treated to glimpse of The Queen and Prince Philip later in the afternoon on their way back home to Windsor Castle!  Driving along the A3, we were suddenly aware of  several police motorbikes, followed by the stylish Bentley!  It all happened so quickly, we didn't have time to wave!