The Queen is believed to have made the decision to miss one of her favourite events of the year to make sure she paces herself through the 70th jubilee celebrations. The monarch is reportedly going to miss the Epsom Derby on Saturday, a horse race that is normally a personal highlight for the monarch, who is a huge fan of the sport.
The Sunday Times reports that her daughter Princess Royal will represent the royal family at the racecourse instead. The head of state, 96, is a passionate horse owner and breeder, had been due to be greeted on the course with a special guard of honour including up to 40 of her past and present jockeys.
The newspaper revealed the monarch is now 'increasingly unlikely' to head to Epsom, although Buckingham Palace has so far declined to comment, saying the Queen's attendance at events would not be confirmed until closer to the time.
The nation's longest-reigning monarch, who is on a pre-Jubilee break resting in Balmoral, Scotland, has been facing mobility problems in recent months. This led her to miss a number of major events this year, including the State Opening of Parliament. She is, however, expected to delight the crowds with a double appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony - at the start of the celebrations after Trooping the Colour on Thursday, and after the Pageant parade finale on Sunday.
The Queen is also hoping to be able attend the service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral on Friday, with her wider family including, it is expected, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the Duke of York. At the BBC's Party At The Palace concert in front of Buckingham Palace on Saturday night, both the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge are said to be preparing to pay public tributes to the Queen during the star-studded event, which features acts including Diana Ross and Queen + Adam Lambert. The Queen is not expected to be there, and will watch on television instead from Windsor Castle.
