Could not resist sharing another photo of the Queen riding yesterday at Windsor–the second time within a week–this time with her groom and her Master of the H…orse Lord Vestey. Her smile shows how much she is enjoying herself!
For the many who have wondered why she doesn’t wear a hard hat, here is the answer, revealed to me for the first time three years ago by her trainer Ian Balding. When he was riding with her at Windsor, he boldly said, ”I really think it is ridiculous that you above all others do not wear a crash helmet.” She replied, ”I never have, and you don’t have to have your hair done like I do!” This was not a matter of vanity, but rather her practical need to be ready for her appointments.
In talking recently to three people who know her well, I was told that as the Queen approaches her 89th birthday in a week, she is mentally at the top of her game, and physically in very good shape. What a remarkable woman she is.
