Tributes including a guard of honour were paid to the Queen at Epsom Derby Day, as the monarch opted to watch festivities from Windsor Castle.

The Princess Royal appeared in the royal box to represent the Queen, laughing, smiling and waving her thanks to the crowds.

Anne and her family watched as the national anthem was played and the gathered attendees waved Union Jack flags.

Jubilee celebrations took place in the Queen’s absence, with 40 jockeys who have ridden for the owner-breeder donning the royal racing silks and forming a guard of honour before the national anthem was sung.

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Five of the monarch’s former racehorses were also paraded, and a selection of hats inspired by the seven decades of her reign have been displayed.

The monarch had to pull out of attending Saturday’s races due to “episodic mobility issues”, opting to view it on television from Windsor Castle, where she has been sent a souvenir race card to follow the action.

Crowds cheered and waved at the princess, who was grinning and chatting with her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.

Anne then waved and laughed, while thanking those around her for making her feel welcome.

The Queen’s hopes of winning this year’s Derby were dashed earlier in May when her horse Reach For The Moon, who was among the favourites, and two others, were withdrawn.

Thoroughbreds owned by the Queen have won four out of the five flat racing classics, the 1,000 Guineas and 2,000 Guineas, the Oaks and the St Leger, with only the Derby eluding her.

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