PRINCESS ANNE has stepped in for the Queen to lead out the royal family at the Epsom Derby.
Yesterday it was announced that Her Majesty, who is currently celebrating her Platinum Jubilee, had to pull out of the event after experiencing ‘discomfort’.
Instead, she has been sent a souvenir race card and is expected to watch from Windsor Castle.
The Princess Royal looked delighted as she arrived alongside her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence just before 1pm this afternoon.
She was closely followed by her daughter Zara Tindall, 41, who was with her husband Mike Tindall, 43, and her son Peter Phillips, 44, who was with his girlfriend Lindsay Wallace, 40.
Crowds continued to applaud the family as they made their way inside, and Princess Anne could be seen smiling and laughing as she waved back.
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A star-studded line-up of guests also attended the famous event in Surrey, including Jim Carter, Imelda Staunton and Hugh Bonneville.
But it was TV presenter Charlotte Hawkins who caught the attention of viewers at home as she arrived in a purple gown with a crown hairpiece made up of golden roses to pay homage to the Queen.
Jubilee celebrations continued at the racecourse despite the Monarch’s absence as 40 jockeys formed a guard of honour before the national anthem was sung.
Five of the Queen’s former racehorses were also paraded.
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Other members of the royal family were also on duty while the Derby was happening.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte visited Cardiff Castle to meet performers involved in a Platinum Jubilee celebration concert.
Kate Middleton reportedly told a well-wisher that the Queen is ‘fine’ but has found the past few days ‘very tiring’.
