Rarely do we see Her Majesty looking so relaxed and informal.
Attending the opening day of The Royal Windsor Horse Show on Wednesday, Queen Elizabeth II, 88, chatted and chuckled with friends as she seamlessly blended in with the crowd.
Wearing a cardigan, tweed skirt and navy windbreaker, her appearance was a far cry from anything resembling the Crown Jewels, and she looked more like a local than the reigning Monarch.
While the event was on the grounds of Windsor Castle, Berkshire, this was an off-duty day for Her Majesty.
An experienced horse rider with impressive knowledge of equestrian matters, the Queen watched her horse Tower Bridge compete in the Novice Heavyweight Hunter class and looked to be having a terrific time.
The Queen holds court at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Photo: Indigo
The Queen is passionate about horses and a keen breeder. Photo: Indigo
The Queen’s appearance was very different from the formal dress for races such as Ascot and the Epsom Derby. Photo: Indigo
Her Majesty appeared to be in her element. Photo: Indigo
Her Majesty reportedly owns about 25 animals. Photo: Indigo
The Queen wore a cardigan, tweed skirt and navy windbreaker. Photo: Indigo
The Queen grew up around horses and continues to pursue her favourite pastime. Photo: Indigo
The Queen was relaxed as she moved through the crowds. Photo: Getty
Her Majesty looked over the day’s program with a friend. Photo: Getty
Her Majesty looked relaxed as she chatted with friends. Photo: Getty
The Queen in April this year visiting the Cotts Farm Equine Hospital in Wales. Photo: Getty
The Majesty receives flowers from a child actor as she inspects the horse prop from the theatre production ‘War Horse’ during a visit to the National Theatre in London in October 2013. Photo: Getty
The Queen – when she was Princess Elizabeth – feeds a horse from a trophy cup in the grounds of Windsor Castle in 1944. Photo: Getty
The Queen Mother standing next to Princess Elizabeth who is on a horse at the Royal Lodge in Windsor in England in 1946. Photo: Getty
Princess Elizabeth II riding side saddle during a Trooping the Colour ceremony at Horse Guard’s Parade, London in 1951. Photo: Getty
Her Majesty the Queen admires a horse at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 1952. Photo: Getty
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, dressed as an umpire, at Smith’s Lawn Polo Cub in 1973. Photo: Getty