It was a fun family day out for Prince Edward, his wife Sophie and the couple's two children Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn.The royal family soaked in the sunshine and beautiful spring weather as they took their horses out for a ride at the Queen's Berkshire home of Windsor Castle, not far from their family home Bagshot Park.Lady Louise, 10, and her six-year-old brother James were spotted practising how to ride in the castle grounds, while their parents watched on from the side. Wearing a red polo shirt and cream jodhpurs, Lady Louise looked confident as she rode on her own without a saddle.
Sophie Wessex and her eldest child Lady Louise
Young James, meanwhile, hasn't quite learnt how to ride bareback yet and opted to ride a pony with a saddle. He was led around the green by a stablehand and seemed to be enjoying the sunshine as he sported a casual green and white striped polo shirt.
Proud parents Edward and Sophie encouraged their children as they took in the fresh air and watched their brood ride around.
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A photo released to celebrate Prince Edward's birthday
Since her premature birth, the couple's eldest child Lady Louise has suffered from exotropia — a condition that turns the eyes outwards. But the blonde little girl has never allowed her eye problem to hold her back and she recently underwent a successful eye operation to correct her sight, which has allowed her to enjoy riding even more.
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With her wavy fair hair and peachy complexion, the Queen's youngest granddaughter is reminiscent of other members of the British royal family who are experienced horse riders. The reigning monarch herself used to ride as a child and new mum and equestrian Zara Phillips, who gave birth to baby Mia in January, is an Olympic medallist.
Princess Anne and new mum Zara Phillips
Earlier this week Zara, her mother Princess Anne, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, were all spotted enjoying Ladies Day at the Cheltenham Races.
The royals have always been keen attendees at horse-racing events including the Royal Ascot and the Cheltenham Races.
In pictures: royals glam up for Ladies Day. Making her first public outing without baby Mia since giving birth, Zara looked particularly stylish in a brown tweed coat with fur collar detail and an aubergine-hued fascinator. Her mother Princess Anne wrapped up with a long double-breasted wool coat and hat with horse brooch.