The Queen was all smiles as she drove herself back home after an enjoyable day at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Her Majesty, 91, beamed from ear-to-ear as she was pictured in the driving seat of her Range Rover. The royal, who was a mechanic during the Second World War, has always insisted on taking the wheel when she can and it's clear she still has a fondness for motoring.
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At Wednesday's event, the Queen had every reason to smile. Her horse Tower Bridge competed in the Cuddy Heavyweight Hunter Class in the Frogmore Arena, finishing second in the competition. The monarch took in the action alongside TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh, who was pictured laughing and sharing a joke with the royal.
The Queen, who was dressed down in a tweed skirt, jacket and headscarf, has been a regular fixture at the annual horse show since 1943. Her husband Prince Philip usually attends with her, although he took a different mode of transport on Wednesday. The 95-year-old Duke indulged his passion of carriage driving and drove himself to the equestrian event. Philip was pictured in good form as he took the reins.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Queen is a regular fixture at the Royal Windsor Horse Show
The Queen has always had a strong love of horses. She had her first riding lesson at the age of three and was given her first pony, a Shetland mare named Peggy, by her grandfather King George V on her fourth birthday. During her reign, she went on to become patron of various equestrian organisations including the British Horse Society, the Fell Pony Society and the Highland Pony Society.
Generations of royals share the Queen's passion, including her daughter Princess Anne and granddaughter Zara Tindall. Both royals have competed at the Olympics, representing Great Britain in the equestrian events. Prince Philip once joked of his daughter: "If it doesn't fart or eat hay, she isn't interested."
© Photo: Getty ImagesHer Majesty's horse Tower Bridge finished second
Meanwhile, the youngest members of the royal family, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, are also showing an interest in horse riding. George looked comfortable in the saddle, sitting astride a miniature horse named Honey at a children's party held during the royal tour of Canada last year. Charlotte, who was equally mesmerised by the ponies, is also said to be taking riding lessons.
