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The Queen is renown for her love for horses and horse-racing. However, this year the monarch has been forced to follow Royal Ascot from home, as the week-long event is taking place behind close doors in accordance with the Government guidelines. 

The Queen herself has expressed in a personal letter how “different” this year’s event will be for many, including herself, as it won’t mark an occasion for families and friends to gather.

According to a royal expert, Royal Ascot is so important to the Queen that it usually is one of the first entries in the monarch’s diary.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told Express.co.uk: “The dates for Royal Ascot, that glorious annual kaleidoscope of colour and the highlight of the Season which features some of the world’s most exciting races, are the first entries entered in the Queen’s diary each year.

“She is one of the world’s keenest followers of the turf and an expert on equine matters. 

“She was given her first pony at the age of four and still rides at 94.

“She follows in the footsteps of Queen Anne, who founded Royal Ascot in 1707 and George IV and Edward VII, monarchs who were also racing enthusiasts.

“She has had 23 winners there, including Estimate, which won the Gold Cup in 2016.”

The Queen opened up on her emotions over the necessity of carrying out Royal Ascot without members of the public in a letter released yesterday.

She said: “I send my best wishes to the thousands of racing professionals and enthusiasts who will join me in celebrating this year’s Royal Ascot.

“In these challenging times, we are once again delighted to welcome the best horses and jockeys from across the world and pay tribute to those who have helped make this race meeting possible.

“This year Ascot will feel different for many, as it is so often a chance for friends, families and colleagues to gather together and enjoy a shared passion.”

The monarch praised the work carried out by Royal Ascot organisers, who had to make the racecourse safe for jockeys and their teams ahead of the event.

She continued: “I am sure, however, that with the valiant efforts of the organisers, owners, trainers and stable staff, it will remain one of Britain’s finest sporting occasions and a highlight of the racing calendar.     

“To everyone attending Royal Ascot, in person or virtually, I hope you have a most enjoyable and unique week of racing.”

Yesterday, the Queen’s love for Royal Ascot was honoured by the Royal Holloway Choir and soprano Laura Wright.

Ahead of the beginning of the races, the talented singers sang via video link God Save The Queen, while clips of the Queen attending Royal Ascot through the years were being shown on screen. 

Today, the Queen had two runners at Royal Ascot today, First Receiver and Tactical.

Located six miles away from the racecourse, the Queen was able to enjoy their races from Windsor Castle. 

First Receiver competed well, but arrived second – beaten by Russian Emperor.  

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