The Queen has celebrated her 78th birthday in equine style, by releasing a new picture of herself on horseback with her daughter Princess Anne and granddaughter Zara Phillips.
The three royals were photographed together by a member of staff at Windsor Castle. Her Majesty was so pleased with the picture, which was taken during the Easter break, that she decided to release it to mark her big day.
She and her loved-ones, who are all passionate equestrians, looked delighted to be enjoying some quality time together. It was also a family affair for the horses in the picture, because the Queen' 20-year-old mare Tinkerbell is mother to Anne's mount, Peter Pan, and Zara's Tiger Lily.
On the eve of her anniversary the monarch opted for the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage, when she paid a visit to Britain's oldest Army regiment. Riding in a carriage owned by Queen Victoria, the Queen inspected the Honourable Artillery Company at Windsor Great Park.
The regiment, which dates back to 1537, was originally granted a charter by Henry VIII to develop "the science and feat of shooting in longbows, crossbows and handguns". Today it plays an important role in royal ceremonies.
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