Emotional Tribute to Prince Philip at Royal Windsor Horse Show Gala Dinner

The Royal Windsor Horse Show held a touching gala dinner on Sunday evening to honor the late Prince Philip, the Queen's beloved husband.

As the event neared its end, the arena erupted in applause to commemorate the Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away in April last year.

A heartfelt moment captured on camera showed the Queen in tears as her granddaughter, Lady Louise Windsor, appeared on one of Prince Philip's carriages.

Lady Louise, the daughter of the Earl and Countess of Wessex, paid tribute to her grandfather by driving his carriage around the arena during the finale of the Gallop Through History event, evoking an emotional response from the Queen.

This poignant moment held special significance for the Queen, as 18-year-old Lady Louise shares her late grandfather's passion for carriage driving.

Prince Philip played a key role in establishing carriage driving as a sport in the United Kingdom.

Since the 1970s, it had become one of his favorite pastimes, and he even competed in numerous World and European Championships, representing Britain.

His dedication to the sport helped shape its development in the UK.

Even in his 80s, Prince Philip continued to compete, participating in three European Championships and six World Championships in total.

At the age of 91, he had a dark green carriage specially made according to his specifications using aluminum and steel.

He was frequently seen riding the carriage around Windsor and other royal estates.

In May 2017, Prince Philip shared how he took up carriage driving after retiring from polo at the age of 50.

He borrowed four horses from the London stables, took them to Norfolk, and practiced until he gained confidence.

Carriage driving became his new passion, and he embraced it wholeheartedly.

It is believed that Lady Louise, who has also competed in carriage driving competitions, inherited her interest in the sport from her grandfather.

She is following in his footsteps and recently participated in the British Indoor Carriage Driving Championships.

During the Royal Windsor Horse Show, the Queen displayed sheer joy as she watched Lady Louise compete in a carriage driving event.

Her Majesty's pride was evident as her granddaughter led the Fell Pony Society Centenary Parade while driving Prince Philip's carriage.

The moving tribute occurred towards the end of the gala evening, which was hosted by ITV's Philip Schofield and Julie Etchingham from an on-site studio within the grounds of Windsor Castle.

The Queen, accompanied by members of her family and approximately 5,000 spectators, enjoyed the spectacle that featured 600 horses and 1,300 performers.

This was the Queen's second public appearance in three days.

She received a warm ovation upon arrival, having attended the horse show on Friday to witness her beloved animals in competition.

Traveling by car with an escort from the Household Cavalry, the 96-year-old monarch graciously handed her walking stick to a member of the greeting party as she alighted from her Range Rover, which she shared with her youngest son, Prince Edward.

Dressed for the occasion in an ice-blue sequined dress and a grey embellished wrap to ward off the chill, the Queen made her way to the Royal Box, flanked by a Territorial Army officer and friends of the royal family.

Although limited footage was available from the Royal Box during the performance, the Queen was seen laughing and smiling alongside other guests.

Her appearance provided reassurance to the public amid concerns about her health.

In recent months, she has had to cancel several engagements and even missed the State Opening of Parliament.

However, Royal aides assure everyone that despite occasional mobility issues, the Queen remains in good spirits and fully engaged behind the scenes.

Her attendance at the horse show on Sunday night, following her previous visit on Friday, offers further reassurance to her subjects.

It also raises expectations for the upcoming Jubilee events in June, where she is expected to attend a service of thanksgiving for her remarkable 70-year reign and make her traditional appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony during Trooping the Colour.

While it is unlikely that the Queen will attend numerous events due to her varying mobility, her presence at the gala show on Sunday night, titled “A Gallop Through History,” was of great importance to her.

The Queen received continued applause as she settled down to watch the ceremony, utilizing her walking stick as necessary, thus alleviating concerns about her mobility.

She wore a large grey pashmina cardigan, an embellished pastel blue dress, and accessorized with pearl earrings and a matching necklace.

Her attire was completed with black loafers and a handbag.

Prince Edward and his wife Sophie accompanied the Queen, demonstrating their support.

The event paid homage to the Queen's lifelong passion for horses, an interest shared by her late husband, Prince Philip.

This appearance at the Royal Windsor Horse Show follows the Queen's recent absence from the State Opening of Parliament, where she was advised by doctors to remain seated due to difficulties with walking or standing for extended periods.

Initially, she chose to stay in the passenger seat of her Range Rover, conversing with passers-by and observing the horses in the parade ring.

However, after approximately an hour, she walked slowly, aided by a walking stick, to her seat in the grandstand.

Seated between her son Prince Edward and Penny Snatchball, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, the Queen appeared delighted to be present.

Her daughter-in-law, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, also attended to support the monarch.

Her Majesty's Highland pony secured first place, earning her a trophy, and she watched with pride as Lady Louise Windsor led the Fell Pony Society's centenary parade while driving Prince Philip's carriage.

Afterward, the Queen walked unassisted to her Range Rover, waving to the cheering crowds as she returned to Windsor Castle.

The Queen's most recent public appearance before this was in March when she attended a service commemorating the life of her late husband, the Duke of Edinburgh.

The congregation consisted of senior royals and hundreds of others paying their respects.

The Queen celebrated her Platinum Jubilee in February, overcoming a bout of Covid-19 after testing positive that month.

She privately marked her 96th birthday on April 21st at her Sandringham estate.

In conclusion, the emotional tribute to Prince Philip at the Royal Windsor Horse Show gala dinner touched the hearts of all those present.

The Queen's tears and Lady Louise Windsor's carriage driving tribute added a poignant element to the event.

Despite occasional mobility issues, the Queen's attendance and visible joy reassured the public about her health.

Her ongoing passion for horses and carriage driving, which she shared with her late husband, Prince Philip, was evident throughout the evening.

The Queen's presence at the horse show and her active involvement in upcoming Jubilee events demonstrate her commitment to her role as monarch, even in challenging times.