published30. May 2022, 12:39 p.m.
The Epsom race is one of her favorite equestrian events. However, the first meeting with Lilibet seems to be a good reason for the monarch not to do so this time.
Duchess Meghan (40) and Prince Harry (37) are traveling to the UK for the celebrations – along with their children Lilibet (11 months) and Archie (3).
REUTERS
The monarch should meet her great-granddaughter Lilibet for the first time next Saturday.
Imago images/ZUMA Press
As an absolute horse fanatic, it is one of the Queen’s favorite sporting events: the Epsom Derby. The race in Epsom, a suburb of London, was according to the «Sunday Times» but now deleted from the royal calendar. Her daughter Princess Anne (71) is said to represent the monarch on Saturday, June 4th. Buckingham Palace has not yet commented on this, but the 96-year-old might have a delightfully good reason for her cancellation – namely the first meeting with her great-granddaughter Lilibet (eleven months).
The arrival of Duchess Meghan (40) and Prince Harry (37) in Great Britain is eagerly awaited. The Sussexes, along with their two children Archie and Lilibet, are traveling from the US to London for the Queen’s 70th Jubilee celebrations. While the Queen was able to meet the three-year-old shortly following his birth in London, there has never been a meeting with US-born Lilibet Diana. This is finally regarding to change.
Party for Lilibet
At Frogmore Cottage, Harry and Meghan’s British estate on the grounds of Windsor Castle, Mini Sussex’s birthday is to be celebrated with a party next Saturday. Queen Elizabeth was also invited to this, which is why, according to the “Mirror» might miss the Epsom Derby.
However, a report of «Sun» according to none of her horses in the race anyway, which probably made her decision easier. It would be only the third time in her reign that she would not compete in the equine event. In 1956 she was unable to attend for a state visit to Sweden and in 1984 to attend the 40th anniversary of D-Day in France.
Queen cancels further appointments
The Queen is said to be staying at Balmoral Castle in Scotland until the middle of the week and will therefore miss the official “Trooping the Color” greeting on Thursday. Several international media see the reason for this in the Queen’s ongoing mobility problems. However, in order to defy them and continue to show her people that she stands up for them as regent, the royal head wants, according to the «Sun» appeared twice on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Once to receive a salute from returning Guardsmen and a second time with her family for the RAF flyover. Incidentally, Meghan and Harry will not be on the balcony with the monarch that day.
The reason: According to the British newspaper «Daily Mail» the couple plans to keep a low profile during their presence so as not to “overshadow” the celebrations. At the request of the 96-year-old, the two are said to have even promised that the family get-together would take place “without drama”.
