In the last months of her reign, Queen Elizabeth II shared a very special moment with her youngest granddaughter, Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor.
As she attended the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May 2022, just months before her death, Her Late Majesty beamed with pride as she watched Lady Louise take part in the event.
Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by Louise’s parents, watched from the stands in the arena.
Lady Louise led the Fell Pony Society centenary parade into the event. The moment was particularly poignant as Lady Louise was driving the carriages which once belonged to her late grandfather, Prince Philip.
The Prince was one of the leading carriage drivers, and passed his passion on to Lady Louise who is continuing his legacy.
This special moment between grandmother and granddaughter came after a significant period away from the public eye for Queen Elizabeth II who limited her engagements in the last months of her life owing to mobility issues.
However, the Royal Windsor Horse Show remained one of her favourite annual events and had an added significance in 2022 as it formed part of the celebrations for the Platinum Jubilee.
As well as seeing Lady Louise ride, Her Late Majesty watched a number of her own horses which had been entered in competitions. Her highland pony won first place in one contest with Queen Elizabeth II visibly delighted as she was presented with the winning trophy to cheers from the crowd.
The Royal Windsor Horse Show also featured a special Jubilee gala to mark the Platinum celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. On the final night of the spectacular show, Queen Elizabeth was in the audience as a tribute was paid to Prince Philip. Lady Louise once more rode one of his carriages into the arena with her grandmother visibly moved by the gesture.
It was another special but poignant moment between Queen Elizabeth II and Lady Louise and underlined the close relationship the two enjoyed.
