The Queen makes first public appearance since coronavirus lockdown

The Queen has made her first public appearance in weeks and just like everybody else who has been self-isolating amid the pandemic, she looked full of joy to be outside enjoying the sunshine once again.

Over the past couple of months the 94-year-old has kept away from the public eye, with her grandson Prince William and his wife Catherine taking the lead on royal duties in her absence. But, now as the world begins to come out the other side of the coronavirus outbreak, Her Majesty has stepped outside – however, not for official duties.

The Queen was photographed riding her horse Fern in Windsor Home Park at the weekend and as an avid horse rider, she looked completely at ease to be sitting astride the 14-year-old Fell Pony. She wore cream jodhpurs for the outing, paired with a grey blazer and white gloves. While she added some colour with a pink patterned scarf over her head to protect her from the sun.

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While others in their 90s may not feel comfortable sitting atop a horse, for Her Majesty it comes naturally, having been riding since she was a child. From a young age the Queen was involved with horses and still to this day she plays a big role in the welfare of the horses she owns for breeding, riding and racing.

Photos also shared to the royal family’s official Instagram account showed just how long this connection with horses has lasted. In throwback snaps from her Queen’s younger days, Her Majesty could be seen patting her beloved horse, while in another she was captured riding along with a castle in the background.

After such a long time away from the spotlight, royal fans were delighted to see the Queen out and about and looking so healthy. While others were utterly amazed to see Her Majesty still riding horses at her age.

“The Queen is such an inspiration!” @densejemoster wrote on Instagram. “I hope I still ride when I reach the same age.” While @heidi_bradshaw88 added: “I’m still amazed that the Queen rides at such an age.” And @elmundoconmarisa said: “Love between a human and a horse is something you get to feel as a child and it stays with you throughout your life. The Queen has just proved this.”

Meanwhile, just weeks ago while in self-isolation the Queen celebrated her birthday. However, with usual celebrations called off due to the Covid-19 outbreak, several members of the royal family instead marked the occasion by sharing sweet images and footage from throughout the monarch’s life.

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Leading the charge was the official British royal family account which shared some previously unseen footage from the Royal Collection Trust on Instagram and Twitter, showing Queen Elizabeth II as a child. The minute-long video clip sowed the then Princess Elizabeth as a child playing with her younger sister Princess Margaret, as well as footage of her dancing, riding horses and gardening with the late Queen Mother.

“Happy Birthday, Your Majesty!” the post shared by the royal family read. “Thank you for your messages today, on The Queen’s 94th birthday. In this private footage from the @royalcollectiontrust, we see The Queen (then Princess Elizabeth) playing with her family, including her younger sister Princess Margaret.”