Celebrations for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend are still going strong as members of the royal family attended the Epsom Derby on Saturday.
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Sadly, the monarch was not among them after it was reported that she cancelled her attendance amid mobility issues. Instead, her daughter Princess Anne took her place and was joined by her children Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall, Peter's girlfriend Lindsay Wallace, and Zara's husband, former rugby player Mike.
WATCH: Princess Anne arrives at the Epsom Derby
The 96-year-old is a passionate equestrian and the Derby would have been a personal highlight for her from the Jubilee weekend. The head of state was due to be greeted on the course with a special guard of honour including up to 40 of her past and present jockeys. See the best photos from the day below…
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Princess Anne was joined by her husband Sir Timothy Laurence
The Princess Royal could be seen laughing, waving and thanking crowds on Epsom Derby Day. Anne appeared in the royal box while the national anthem was played by a band.
Crowds cheered and waved at the princess, who was grinning and chatting with her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.
Anne waved to the crowds
Anne then waved and laughed, while thanking those around her for making her welcome.
She later presented the trophy to Trainer Sir Michael Stoute after he won the Cazoo Derby, with Jockey Richard Kingscote and his horse Desert Crown passing the finish line first.
As well as the royals, more than 35,000 people are thought to have packed the enclosures while tens of thousands more have flocked to The Hill to watch the event for free.
The Princess Royal looked elegant in her matching dress and coat
The Queen famously adores horse racing, but unfortunately was given some very disappointing news about the Epsom Derby on Friday.
It was revealed that Her Majesty’s only runner, Just Fine, was pulled out of racing. Just Fine had been entered to feature in the World Pool Northern Dancer Handicap, staged over the full Derby course and distance of one mile and four furlongs.
Anne's daughter Zara and her husband Mike coordinated in blue
However, it was removed at Thursday’s 48-hour declaration stage.
Her horse Reach for the Moon and two others were also withdrawn earlier in May. The monarch is sadly missing the exciting event but is believed to be watching on the TV at home instead.
Mike looked dapper in a grey suit
Speaking to reporters, Zara said: "She will be watching on the TV - she has a few runners today dotted around the country, so she knows exactly what's going on. She'll just be sat on the sofa watching the TV. She'll be in her comfy clothes."
When asked whether she'd spoken to her grandmother, she responded: "She's well, but obviously she was in London on Thursday. She's got runners today, so she'll concentrate on that and be watching the Derby."
Peter Phillips was pictured with his girlfriend Lindsay Wallace
The Derby is thought to be one of the Queen's favourite occasions but it was recently stated that she was struggling with mobility issues, which also sadly caused her to opt-out of the Thanksgiving Service, which took place on Friday.
It has also been reported that the Queen hopes to “pace herself” during the busy milestone celebrations.
The Princess Royal shared a giggle with Trainer Sir Michael Stoute as she presented him with a trophy
The Queen’s love of horse racing was even mentioned during the Thanksgiving Service at St Paul's as the Archbishop of York had members of her family smiling fondly as he compared her reign to a horse race.
Jockey Richard Kingscote and his family posed for pictures after he won with Desert Crown
The Most Rev Stephen Cottrell said: “It is well known that Her Majesty likes horse racing. I don’t have any great tips for the Derby tomorrow, but since the scriptures describe life as a race set before us, let me observe that her long reign reflects the distance of Aintree more than the sprints of Epsom. Certainly, less dressage than most people imagine.”
Jim Carter and Imelda Staunton were pictured in the stands
He continued: “Your Majesty, we’re sorry you’re not with us this morning in person, but you are still in the saddle. And we are all glad that there is still more to come.”
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