After taking part in the carriage driving event at last year's Windsor Horse Show, Prince Philip famously decided to retire from competitive riding. Organisers were no doubt surprised to see the sprightly 84-year-old back in the saddle on Thursday afternoon, therefore, although this time he opted for the high-octane thrills of a mini-motorcycle.
The Duke Of Edinburgh caused quite a stir on the first day of the 2006 show by demonstrating his skills on the two-wheeled runabout. He teamed up with his former carriage riding partner Lady Penny Romsey to inspect the obstacles for Saturday's event, in which she will be competing.
His wife the Queen meanwhile opted to observe their unfolding adventures from the comfort of her Jaguar estate, where she sat chatting with a royal protection officer. After her husband had shared some expert tips with his old friend, he rejoined the sovereign to watch Lady Penny Brabourne, another member of their inner circle, put her tandem of fell ponies through their paces.
Philip's love affair with equestrian sports goes back to his youth. He set up the Guards Polo Club in 1955 and went on to become president of the International Equestrian Federation from 1964 to 1986. The octogenarian's interest in motorcycling would seem to be a rather more recent development, though he's not the only member of the Windsor clan with a penchant for the easy rider life, as his grandson Prince William is the proud owner of a Triumph Daytona superbike.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
