Queen Pictured Riding Pony In First Public Appearance Since Lockdown Began

The Queen has been pictured making her first public appearance since lockdown began - on a pony no less.

Her Majesty has been with the Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle, and over the weekend, she took 14-year-old fell pony, Balmoral Fern, for a ride in the 655-acre Windsor Home Park.

PA

While remaining largely out of the public eye, like most of us, she has continued official duties, celebrating her 94th birthday on 21 April.

The last time you are likely to have seen her was when she addressed the nation to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May, telling the public to 'never give up, never despair'.

She said: "We are still a nation those brave soldiers, sailors and airmen would recognise and admire."

Before that in April, the Queen made a rare speech to address Brits during the pandemic.

She said: "I am speaking to you at what I know is an increasingly challenging time.

"A time of disruption in the life of our country: a disruption that has brought grief to some, financial difficulties to many, and enormous changes to the daily lives of us all."

PA

She also used the speech to praise NHS staff and other key workers for their ongoing hard-work throughout the crisis.

The Queen then thanked those who were staying inside to help slow the spread of the disease, before adding: "I hope in the years to come everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge.

"And those who come after us will say that the Britons of this generation were as strong as any. That the attributes of self-discipline, of quiet good-humoured resolve and of fellow-feeling still characterise this country."

The Queen's appearance on her pony comes as horse racing is set to return in England today (Monday).

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said at Saturday's daily briefing that sports could resume behind closed doors and with restrictions in place. Participants in live sport will be screened for Covid-19, the use of dressing rooms will be minimised and the 2m social distancing rule must be observed 'where possible'.

Premier League games will also be broadcast live on BBC for the first time ever, including the Liverpool vs Everton derby.

Dowden said: "Football, tennis, horse racing, Formula One, cricket, golf, rugby, snooker and others are all set to return to our screens shortly.

"We still have a way to go, but for a sporting-loving nation, today really is a significant milestone."

Topics: UK News, lockdown, Coronavirus, Queen

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey