'RACING IS HER PASSION AND SHE REALLY ENJOYS IT'

THE PRINCESS ROYAL DID THE HONOURS AS THE QUEEN FOLLOWED EPSOM FROM THE COMFORT OF WINDSOR CASTLE

- LISA JARVIS AND JASMINE PARKER

GOOD GOING

Saturday of the Platinum Jubilee weekend brought the much-anticipated Epsom Derby – but sadly the Queen, who is a passionate horsewoman, missed the race for only the third time in her reign.

Instead, she “paced herself” by watching from home at Windsor Castle – in her “comfy clothes” – as her daughter, the Princess Royal, stepped in on her behalf.

Before the Derby, reports had suggested the Queen’s attendance at the event was becoming “increasingly unlikely” – but Princess Anne stepped into the breach and did a fine job as her representative. Dressed in a white and grey checked knee-length dress, matching midi coat and white hat, she was accompanied by her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence.

Her daughter, Zara Tindall, who with husband Mike was also at the Surrey racecourse, wowed in a royal-blue Diane von Furstenberg dress – that cost just £50 – and a matching hatinator. She gave an update on the Queen, revealing that her grandmother was watching the race from the comfort of her own home.

“She has a few runners today dotted around the country, so she knows exactly what’s going on,” Zara said. “Obviously, we’d love [the Queen] to be here, but it’s nice to be here. I’ve never been to Epsom before. It’s exciting!”

Former England rugby player Mike, looking smart in top hat and tails, described the Queen as “a wonderful woman”.

“I have said this numerous times, but in terms of how you want a leader to be, she is that person and someone who sets an example,” he said. “It’s such a shame that she’s not here with us but I know she’ll be tuned in and watching from home.”