THE Queen missed the first day of the Royal Windsor Horse Show — and instead made a secret trip to see her own nags.
The last-minute withdrawal sparked fresh health fears for the 96-year-old monarch.
She had been due to be chauffeur-driven the 500 yards from her private apartments at Windsor Castle to see her five-year-old gelding First Responder compete.
But minutes before her horse was due to take part her appearance was suddenly called off.
Shortly afterwards, it is understood, the Queen privately went to see her other horses entered into the four-day contest at the Royal Mews at the castle.
A source said: “She simply changed her mind.”
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But the Queen is hopeful she will be able to appear tomorrow.
She has 14 horses competing in a string of events, sources say, and she has not missed the show in 79 years.
A source said: “If she has horses competing there is a fair chance she would make an effort to attend.”
It comes after she pulled out of Monday’s State Opening of Parliament with mobility problems.
Princes Charles and William filled her role.
The Queen’s last public appearance was in March, when she was walked out of Westminster Abbey by disgraced son Prince Andrew after attending a memorial service for her late husband the Duke of Edinburgh.
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But she has been carrying out engagements in person and via video call from Windsor Castle.
A spokesman for Her Majesty did not want to comment.
