With Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee less than two weeks away other notable public figures may feel inclined to gift Her Majesty a token to mark her historical milestone.
After his invitation to perform at the Queen’s recent Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, presented the Monarch with a very special present- a rare, caramel coloured, Karabakh horse named Glory.
The Queen, a lifelong lover of horses, appeared to be delighted with her surprise present as she waited outside Windsor castle beaming as representatives from the Equestrian Federation of Azerbaijan presented Glory to Her Royal Highness.
Despite numerous concerns about the Queen’s mobility, the 96-year-old stood with the aid of a walking stick as she welcomed the newest member to the Royal Mews.
The Queen thanked the representatives from the Equestrian Federation and acknowledged that the president’s gift was a “very kind, very generous” gesture.
This sweet surprise comes days after the horses joined an all-star cast, featuring Dame Helen Mirren and Tom Cruise, to perform A Gallop Through History at the Queen’s Jubilee Celebration on Sunday night, May 15, after competing in the Royal Windsor Horse Show the week prior.
Her Majesty’s attendance at the Royal Windsor Horse Show marked her first in-person attendance after months of cancelling previous appearances.
Attending Sunday evening’s Jubilee celebrations was another pleasant surprise for royal watchers, as the Queen, looking as healthy as ever, was driven to the venue in a Range Rover and greeted with a standing ovation.
Wearing a grey shawl adorned with crystals and a pair of comfortable-looking black shoes, the Queen watched the equestrian show which featured more than 500 horses and 1,000 performers.
Her Majesty’s 18-year-old granddaughter, Lady Louise Windsor, eldest daughter of Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, led a tribute to her grandfather, Prince Philip, driving his carriage around the arena.
Dame Helen Mirren had also offered the nation’s “most loving thanks” for her “unswerving” leadership thought the 70 years of her reign.
As of late, it appears the Senior Royal has found the strength to carry out her in-person duties, even making a surprise visit to Paddington Station on Wednesday, May 18, to officially open the Elizabeth line accompanied by Prince Edward.