Nationals report Queen to miss Epsom Derby

It is looking increasingly likely that the Queen will not attend the Epsom Derby on June 4th, The Sunday Times reports.

The Sunday Times is reporting that the Queen will miss the Epsom Derby due to ongoing episodic mobility problems. The long-reigning monarch, who is due to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee, has already missed many important events, including the opening of Parliament. The Queen is currently resting at Balmoral in the run-up to the Jubilee.

The Sunday Times has said that it is “increasingly unlikely” that the Queen will make an appearance. Her Majesty will instead be represented by her daughter, the Princess Royal.

Hopes were high for the Queen’s appearance at the Derby and higher still that Her Majesty would have a runner, but her colt Reach for The Moon was unable to race.

The Queen is still expected to greet adoring crowds from the palace balcony at Trooping the Colour, as well as the grand finale to the Jubilee, the Pageant Parade.

The absence of the Queen at the Derby is sure to be a source of disappointment for attendees and organisers, although it’s hard to say if they’ll be as disappointed as the Queen herself, as a passionate lover of horses and horse breeding she is famously fond of the racing event.