Queen Elizabeth II has revealed she loves the long-running BBC programme Antiques Roadshow. The British monarch met antiques experts at Hillsborough Castle where the BBC were filming a new episode of their show.Her husband the Duke of Edinburgh reportedly quizzed host Fiona Bruce when the episode featuring them would air.
The Queen, who was signing the visitors' book, turned around to add: "If it is in August then even better because we might have a chance to see it."The royal couple are on a three-day visit to Northern Ireland and were interested in several items on display for the show, including a bronze sculpture of a horse and jockey. The ornament is believed to be of the 1863 Derby winner Macaroni, whom experts think took home the win after 32 false starts.Commenting on Macaroni's story, the monarch said: "It seems very incompetent doesn't it? But quite interesting."
Experts Paul Atterbury, John Axford and Hilary Kay showed items to the royals, and spent ten minutes with them explaining their history. Among the pieces was a christening cup which held a strong connection to the royal family. "What was lovely about this is, this is a piece unlike the other objects as it has a direct family connection," Ms Kay said.Buckingham Palace refused to comment on the Queen's favourite show or programmes that she may watch, but Wednesday's trip was the second TV programme in 24 hours visited by the sovereign and Prince Philip. On Tuesday the pair also visited the set of HBO's international hit Game of Thrones.
They were shown some of the hand-made costumes and props that have featured in the fantasy show, while executive producers and writers of the show, David Benioff and Dan Weiss, led the royals through the sets for the Red Keep and the Throne Room.On her visit the Queen was presented with a miniature version of the Iron Throne, which features in the US TV series.Game of Thrones fans will do doubt be dissapointed, however, that she declined the offer to take a seat on the life-size Iron Throne.