Queen Elizabeth II: Does she have to cancel her favorite event out of frailty?

Created: 04/11/2022 11:27 am

By: Annemarie Goebbel

Since 1943, the Queen has almost never missed this event.

It would be very bitter for the horse lover if she had to pass in the year of her jubilee.

Windsor – The British Queen is known for her absolute love for horses.

Her passion for equestrian sports and horses goes back to her childhood.

Only a few times did she have to miss the Royal Windsor Horse Show because it did not take place.

Not only the organizers fear that this year could be tight for Queen Elizabeth II (95) for health reasons.

Queen Elizabeth II. Does she have to cancel her favorite event because of frailty?

The Windsor Horse Show is the only equestrian event in the UK to host international competitions in endurance, dressage and carriage driving.

Queen Elizabeth II looks at the double world champion dressage horse Valegro during the 2019 Royal Windsor Horse Show. © Andrew Matthews/dpa

The latter was the favorite pastime of Prince Philip (99, † 2021), who died a year ago, at whose memorial service Queen Elizabeth II appeared with her scandalous third offspring Prince Andrew (62) as an accompaniment in Westminster Abbey * after wild speculation about her participation .

In the run-up to the service, there were rumors that the mobility of the exceptional regent was so restricted that she had to attend in a wheelchair and that the journey, a good 50 minutes by car, had to be made by helicopter.

Depending on the weather, up to 60,000 spectators are usually expected.

Including the British leader, who never let the rain stop him.

In two years she stayed away because the Horse Show had to keep its doors closed.

In 2001, foot-and-mouth disease forced a cancellation and in 2020 the tournament had to be canceled due to the pandemic.

Queen Elizabeth II: cancellation?

Unimaginable for the event manager

Queen Elizabeth II with a big smile when visiting the Royal Windsor Horse Show 2021. © Steve Parsons/dpa

That is why the event director of the Horse Show Simon Brooks-Ward is counting on the regent in the year of her throne jubilee in 2022.

“The royal family has supported the event from the start,” he explains to Mail Online.

In addition, the event would take place “in the back garden” of Windsor Castle.

"There are 3,500 horses of all breeds, shapes and sizes," said Brooks-Ward, who has been on the job since 2006.

The Queen enters her horses in the show classes - especially rare British breeds such as the Cleveland Bay and the Highland are shown and Elizabeth II watches the animals with great pleasure.

When she wins, a big happy smile on Her Majesty's face just enchants everyone.

The 2022 Royal Windsor Horse Show will be held in Windsor from Thursday 12th May to Sunday 15th May.