Is one peckish? Queen feeds a hungry horse a carrot after donning a stylish lime outfit for an equine-themed tour of the West Country
- The Queen, 92, travelled to Castle Cary station by Royal Train this morning
- The short trip west saw her greeted by hundreds of flag-waving school-children
- Sporting spring attire, the Queen wore a matching lime green coat and dress with a co-ordinated hat featuring daffodils
- The short visit will see the Queen indulge her first love – horses – as she headed from the station to Manor Farm Stables in Ditcheat
The Queen enjoyed the warmest of welcomes this morning as she arrived in Somerset to indulge her first love – horses – on a series of equine-related engagements in the West Country.
Her Majesty, 92, looked the epitome of spring as she arrived at Castle Cary station wearing a matching lime green coat and dress, with a co-ordinated hat featuring freshly-picked daffodils.
Eschewing local commuter services in favour of a ride on the Royal Train, the Queen beamed as she was met at the platform by local school-children waving Union Jack flags and Annie Maw, the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset.
The short visit will see the Queen indulge her first love – horses – on a short visit to the West Country. After arriving by train at Castle Cary station, she met trainer Paul Nicholls at Manor Farm Stables in Ditcheat – and offered a carrot to a chocolate-coloured racehorse known as McFabulous
Grey-nosed race horse Politologue gets a treat from a famous visitor as champion trainer Paul Nicholls looks on during the Queen’s visit to the stables in Ditcheat
He is McFabulous! The Queen seemed utterly smitten by the equine beauties on display at the stables, which is working with the University of Bath on further research into equestrian sport spinal injuries and racehorse welfare
The short trip west on the Royal Train saw Her Majesty chat with those who’d waited to greet her on the platform as she was joined by Annie Maw, the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset (pictured centre)
The Queen, 92, travelled to Castle Cary station by Royal Train this morning eschewing local commuter services in favour of a more private journey
Sporting spring attire, the Queen wore a matching lime green coat and dress with a co-ordinated hat featuring daffodils and looked in good spirits as she stepped off the train
The Queen wore a beautiful lime green coat, with matching dress and a hat decorated with fresh daffodils as she strolled across platform one. She finished the look with her faithful black patent loafers
Hundreds of local school pupils including from Lovington C of E Primary School and nearby Castle Cary Primary school waited patiently for their brush with royalty and waved flags as the Royal Train finally pulled into platform one.
It’s thought the Queen will visit one of the primary schools local to the station and a Somerset art gallery during her day-trip to the West Country.
After chatting with many of the gathered children, including one who presented her with a small posy, the Queen made the short journey by car to Manor Farm Stables in Ditcheat, where trainer Paul Nicholls was on hand to greet her.
Annie Maw, the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, greeted the Queen as she stepped on to platform one at Castle Cary station
The Queen cradles a sweet posy of spring flowers presented to her on the platform as she chats with local Somerset school pupils
An array of local dignitaries were also on hand to greet the Queen as Annie Maw, Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, made the introductions – and appeared to enjoy a joke
She’s here! The Queen makes her way through a small sea of youngsters after disembarking
A loud cheer erupted as the Queen made her way through the crowds; the equine-themed public engagement is thought to be a day-trip for Her Majesty
Exciting day! Earlier children from Lovington C of E Primary School anticipated the arrival of the Queen by waving their Union Jack flags
One young pupil, Heidi (centre), aged five, from Castle Cary Primary school seen standing patiently for their encounter with royalty
The yellow and black royal train carrying Queen Elizabeth II arrives in Castle Cary Station at the start of her visit to Somerset
The champion trainer wasn’t the only one, a chocolate-coloured horse named McFabulous – with an appetite for carrots – nuzzled up to the Queen after she offered up the healthy snack. Later, the Queen met grey-nosed racehorse Politologue.
The steed was one of several horses in the stables, which is working with the University of Bath on further research into equestrian sport spinal injuries and racehorse welfare.
Any tips? The Queen, who is passionate about horses and racing, with trainer Paul Nicholls at the Manor Farm Stables on Thursday
It’s expected that The Queen, who was travelling along this morning, will make the return journey back to Windsor later this afternoon.