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The Edinburghs

Earl of Wessex to follow in Prince Philip’s footsteps

Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, will follow in the footsteps of his late father, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, and will become the new president of the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Show management announced the Earl would take over as president of the 79-year-old show. The Duke of Edinburgh was the show’s president from 1991 and competed in the show’s international carriage driving competition for more than 35 years. Driving runs in the family as Edward’s daughter and the Prince’s grandchild, Lady Louise Windsor, inherited the family’s passion for the sport and is a keen competitor herself.

The Duke was known to be a ‘hands-on’ president, with many of the showground improvements coming down to his personal intervention and his guiding hand. Over time, Edward and his wife, the Countess of Wessex have been involved with the event at many levels and most recently served as Royal Vice-Presidents. Upon the announcement of his presidency, Prince Edward said: ”My father was instrumental in helping to develop Royal Windsor into one of the most prestigious horse shows in the world.

”I am honoured to have been invited to become only the fourth president in the show’s history and will do all I can to maintain the show’s reputation throughout the equestrian community and beyond; something my father was passionate about.”

The event takes place within the private grounds of Windsor Castle, and this year, the grounds will stage an additional evening performance over four nights in honour of the Platinum Jubilee Celebration. Entitled “Gallop through History,” the show will feature more than 500 horses, 1200 participants, and an 80-piece orchestra. The 90-minute performance will take the audience on a gallop through history from the days of Elizabeth I to the present day and the record-breaking reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Taking place annually, the show brings more than 55,000 visitors to view an extensive programme of first-class equestrian competition and performances. The Queen has attended every year since the show started in 1943. It is the only time of year in which the private grounds of Windsor Castle become open to the public.

About author

My name is Sydney Zatz and I am a University of Iowa graduate. I graduated with a degree in journalism and sports studies, and a minor in sport and recreation management. A highlight of my college career was getting the chance to study abroad in London and experiencing royal history firsthand. I have a passion for royals, royal history, and journalism, which led me to want to write for Royal Central.