The Queen watched the Derby 'on the sofa in her comfy clothes' Zara reveals, as Princess Anne leads Royals at Epsom after monarch pulled out following 'discomfort' at Trooping the Colour

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The Queen watched the Epsom Derby Day at home on the sofa in her 'comfy clothes' Zara Tindall revealed this afternoon, as Princess Anne stood in for the monarch alongside her family at the races on the third day of celebrations for the Platinum Jubilee.

The Princess Royal was grinning from ear to ear at Epsom Racecourse as she and her family enjoyed the racing at Derby Day to stand in for Her Majesty the Queen who was forced to pull out of one of her favourite events of the year.

Desert Crown stormed to success in the Cazoo Derby with jockey Richard Kingscote to provide trainer Sir Michael Stoute with his sixth victory at Epsom Downs. In 2013, Stoute trained the Queen's horse Estimate to Gold Cup victory at the Royal Ascot.

And watching on from the stands was Princess Anne with her husband Sir Timothy Laurence, daughter Zara Tindall and husband Mike, as well as Peter Phillips who was in attendance with girlfriend Lindsay Wallace, the daughter of an oil tycoon.

Speaking at the major sporting event, Zara Tindall, the Queen's granddaughter, spoke of Her Majesty earlier today: 'She will be watching on the TV – she has a few runners today dotted around the country, so she knows exactly what's going on.

'She'll just be sat on the sofa watching the TV. She'll be in her comfy clothes.'

Asked about the royal procession arriving through a guard of honour of 40 of the Queen's past and present jockeys, Zara added: 'It was amazing. It was so nice to see so many faces. It was funny seeing them trying to fit back into the colours again, all the retired ones.

'Obviously, we'd love her [The Queen] to be here. But it's nice to be here. I've never been to Epsom before. It's exciting. I need to go and explore.'

The monarch, who is said to be 'fine' despite the announcement on Friday that she was to pull out of one of her favourite events, watched the Epsom Derby Day on television from Windsor Castle this afternoon.

Her Majesty has been sent a souvenir race card to follow the action from home. 

Representing the Queen in her absence was Anne, Princess Royal, who has arrived at Epsom alongside her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence shortly before 1pm today.

The Queen is watching the Epsom Derby Day at home on the sofa in her 'comfy clothes' Zara Tindall, pictured with her ex-England rugby player husband Mike, revealed this afternoon, as Princess Anne stood in for the monarch alongside her family at the races on Saturday

Also arriving at the sold-out racecourse in Surrey just before 1pm as part of a procession was children Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall, who was with her husband, former rugby player Mike Tindall (pictured together, right)

Princess Anne and her husband Sir Tim Laurence arrived at the sold-out racecourse in Surrey just before 1pm as part of a procession, which included her children Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall, 41, who was with her husband, former England rugby player Mike Tindall, 43

The Princess Royal, pictured centre next to her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, right, watches the Cazoo Derby race at Epsom

The couple stood in the Royal Box with other members of the family including Zara Phillips, in blue behind Princess Anne, cenre

Princess Anne stands beside winning horse owner Saeed Suhail, right, after jockey Richard Kingscote and horse Desert Crown won the Cazoo Derby race at Epsom

Princess Anne gives Richard Kingscote, the winning jockey of the 4.30pm Cazoo Derby race at Epsom Racecourse this afternoon, an award. Stood left of him is horse trainer Michael Stoute and right, horse owner Saeed Suhail

Princess Anne, left, stands with winning trio trainer Michael Stoute, centre left, jockey, Richard Kingscote who won with horse Desert Crown, centre right, and horse owner Saeed Suhail, pictured right holding the Cazoo Derby trophy

The couple arrived at the sold-out racecourse in Surrey as part of a procession, which included her children Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall, 41, who was with her husband, former England rugby player Mike Tindall, 43.

Zara, a silver Olympic medal-winning equestrian lives on her mother Princess Anne's Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire. 

Peter Phillips arrived with his new girlfriend Lindsay Wallace, who is said to have met the Queen for the first time in January this year.

Crowds cheered and waved union flags as the Royals made their way on to the course.

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. Anne appeared in the royal box while the national anthem was played by a band.

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.

Speaking at the major sporting event, Zara Tindall, the Queen's granddaughter, said: 'She will be watching on the TV – she has a few runners today dotted around the country, so she knows exactly what's going on. 'She'll just be sat on the sofa watching the TV. She'll be in her comfy clothes.' The Queen is pictured on the Buckingham Palace balcony on Thursday

Zara Tindall, pictured second left, is pictured watching the racing at Epsom Downs for the Derby this afternoon from the Royal Box, where she attended with her husband Mike Tindall

Princess Anne, who is standing in for the Queen at the Epsom Derby, pictured second from left, stands beside her husband Sir Timothy Laurence

Princess Anne, centre, stands beside Cazoo Derby officials and winning duo, trainer Michael Stoute, and Jockey Richard Kingscote. Owner of the horse Saeed Suhail, holds the trophy after winning the 4.30pm Cazoo Derby, right

Princess Anne's son Peter Phillips arrived with his new girlfriend Lindsay Wallace, who is said to have met the Queen for the first time in January this year

The Princess Royal's first child Peter, 44, was pictured with his girlfriend who has been named in numerous reports as Lindsay Wallace (pictured together this afternoon), despite it being rare for the girlfriend of a member of the royal family to attend a high-profile event

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

The Princess Royal could be seen laughing, waving and thanking crowds at Epsom Derby Day for making her feel welcome. Pictured with her husband Sir Tim

Peter Phillips, right, pictured with girlfriend Lindsay Wallace in the stands this afternoon on Derby Day at Epsom Racecourse

The Princess Royal could be seen laughing, waving and thanking crowds at Epsom Derby Day for making her feel welcome.

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

Frankie Dettori and Willie Carson, who has ridden some of the Queen's most memorable winners, lined part of the course with the other jockeys.

Describing for BBC News the pride he has felt while riding for the Queen in her racing colours, Dettori said: 'Every time you see these (colours) on your peg you (have) this sense of importance and it's a great honour.

'Look she's a big lover of horse racing, and like you say she's only missed the Derby twice.

After pulling out of the event today, Her Majesty has been sent a souvenir race card to follow the horse action from home. Representing the Queen in her absence is Anne, Princess Royal, who has arrived at Epsom just before 1pm today

The Princess Royal arrives at the Epsom Derby where she is greeted by trainer Nicky Henderson, pictured right, for the third day of celebrations for The Queen's Platinum Jubilee

Anne, the Princess Royal is pictured at Epsom Derby on Saturday afternoon. Yesterday the Royal visited penguins at Edinburgh Zoo as other members of the royal family toured the four nations of the UK for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee

Zara, a silver Olympic medal-winning equestrian lives on her mother Princess Anne's Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire. Pictured arriving at the Epsom Derby on Saturday with husband Mike Tindall

'But I'm sure today she'll find a TV and she's going to watch it live because she loves the Derby so much.

'She's been breeding horses for over 60 years she knows all the blood lines and she's won lots of races and she's very knowledgeable.'

Among the famous faces in attendance were Downton Abbey star Jim Carter, comedian Lee Mack and tennis coach Judy Murray.

Princess Alexandra, the sister of Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent who is a first cousin of the Queen, was also in attendance at the Epsom Derby this afternoon. 

The Duke of Kent accompanied the Queen before the official RAF flypast following Trooping the Colour on Thursday. He has been a more prominent participator in great state events in recent years, since the late Duke of Edinburgh stopped going to public events with Her Majesty.

It comes after the Queen's only runner Just Fine was removed from the World Pool Northern Dancer Handicap at the 48-hour declaration stage on Thursday.

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

Winning jockey Richard Kingscote was full of praise for Desert Crown, who was having just his third racecourse outing.

He said: 'He was very good today, very smooth and for a horse that has only run twice, he was very professional. He took all the prelims beautifully and I was really pleased with.

'Every time I have sat on him he's been very calm and today was no exception. I couldn't fault him, he went to the start and then fireworks went off and he was a lovely ride.

'He jumped really well, he does have a hood in the stalls, but he was out really well. Sir Michael was keen for me to try to take a reasonable pitch.

'I was hung out a little wide once we crossed over, took a little time and it wasn't until the seven (furlong marker) I was able to slide one off the fence and from there he was very comfortable. He came down the hill really well balanced and changed leads over the road and off he went to top gear.'

Kingscote shook hands with Princess Anne who presented him with his award, alongside horse trainer Sir Michael Stoute and owner Saeed Suhail. The jockey joins an elite band of riders to have partnered a Derby winner for Stoute, along with Walter Swinburn, Kieren Fallon and Ryan Moore.

This afternoon protesters put themselves on the tracks of Epsom Downs Racecourse. Police and racecourse officials dragged the group from the field before the Cazoo Derby race began. 

It is not yet known if the protesters at Epsom today (pictured being dragged off by officials and police) were from the same animal and climate justice group, Animal Rebellion which attempted to smash through security measures along the Mall on Thursday during the Trooping the Colour Parade.

The activists on The Mall on Thursday were dragged to the sidelines through horse manure.

Four ladies at the Epsom Derby this afternoon take a selfie dressed in their regalia as the sun shines on the third day of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend

Racegoers at Epsom Racecourse wore their finery for the special Platinum Jubilee Saturday, where Princess Anne and her two children, along with their partners, arrived just before 1pm

People watch the Derby from the stands with a cardboard cut-out of the Queen and a Queen's Guard on Derby Day during the Cazoo Derby Festival 

Two ladies kick off their high heels to take a seat on the floor at the Epsom Derby today, where they take a photo together

The Epsom Derby has been running since 1780, and takes place on the first Saturday of June each year at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey. Revellers pictured with their Union Jack flags for the Queen's Jubilee

Revellers enjoyed a glass of fizz on Derby Day at the Cazoo Derby Festival at Epsom Racecourse in Surrey on this sunny Saturday

Princess Anne (pictured) attended the Epsom Derby along with husband Sir Tim Laurence, as well as her children, Peter Phillips who arrived with girlfriend Linsday Wallace, and Zara Tindall and her husband Mike

Princess Alexandra (pictured), the sister of Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent who is a first cousin of the Queen, was also in attendance at the Epsom Derby this afternoon

Metropolitan Police officers were forced to pounce on the eco-morons ahead of the Trooping the Colour, as officers were filmed racing over barriers to where the parade was to be held, before dragging the disruptors along the ground and out of the way of the procession.

Incredibly two of the protesters were able to sit in the middle of the Mall as the marching band approached.

The activists accused the Crown - one of the largest land owners in the country - continuing to support the meat, fishing, and dairy industry.

Protesters say these sectors and industries are leading contributors to the climate crisis.

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.

The Princess Royal's first child Peter, 44, was pictured with his girlfriend who has been named in numerous reports as Lindsay Wallace, despite it being rare for the girlfriend of a member of the royal family to attend a high-profile event.

This afternoon protesters put themselves on the tracks of Epsom Downs Racecourse. Police dragged the group from the field before the Cazoo Derby race began

It is not yet known if the protesters at Epsom today (pictured being dragged off by officials and police) were from the same animal and climate justice group, Animal Rebellion which attempted to smash through security measures along the Mall on Thursday during the Trooping the Colour parade

Racegoers turned up to the Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey in their thousands to watch the racing on the first Saturday of June

A boy poses in the Queen's Stand during Derby Day at the Cazoo Derby Festival 2022 at Epsom Racecourse in Surrey

Racegoers study the forms on their Epsom Downs race card book, as they get ready for the horseracing on Saturday afternoon

Rumours of a romance between Peter and Lindsay, the daughter of an oil tycoon, first emerged last year and he showed he was serious about his new love when he brought her to his nephew's Christening in November last year.

Phil White, London regional director for The Jockey Club, said on Friday of the Queen's cancellation to Saturday's Derby: 'We would like to wish Her Majesty The Queen a wonderful Platinum Jubilee.

'It is a rare occasion that the Queen is unable to join us at Epsom Downs but we are delighted she plans to enjoy Derby Day on television.

'We have big plans to celebrate Her Majesty's contribution to horseracing and the nation, and these will continue in full tomorrow.

'The Derby is a unique race and we are looking forward to welcoming people in their thousands to help us create a spectacular carnival atmosphere.'

Mary Berry, pictured left, watches on at the Cazoo Derby at Epsom Downs Racecourse beside Downton Abbey's Hugh Bonneville, centre, and Jim Carter, right

Dame Mary Berry stands beside actor Hugh Bonneville, pictured in the stands watching the Cazoo Derby race this afternoon

Among the famous faces in attendance were Downton Abbey stars Jim Carter and Hugh Bonneville (pictured right), comedian Lee Mack (pictured left), and tennis coach Judy Murray

Downton Abbey star Jim Carter, pictured centre, analyses a bet beside wife and fellow actress Imelda Staunton, who is also in the period drama, and is also famous for playing Professor Umbridge in Harry Potter

Home Secretary Priti Patel is pictured in pink at the Epsom Downs Racecourse on Saturday for the Cazoo Derby Festival

Racegoers and horses are pictured in the parade ring on Derby Day during the Cazoo Derby Festival on a sunny Saturday in Surrey, on day three of the Queen's Jubilee weekend

This year's races are also being run in memory of horse racing legend Lester Piggott, considered one of the greatest jockeys in the 20th century, who died aged 86 last week. Pictured, racegoers at Epsom this afternoon

This year's races are also being run in memory of horse racing legend Lester Piggott, considered one of the greatest jockeys in the 20th century, who died aged 86 last week.

The nine-time Derby winner, who had a 46 year career and notched up a total of 4,493 wins, passed away a week after he was admitted to hospital in Switzerland, his family announced on 29 May.

Rod Street, Chief Executive of Great British Racing said, 'Lester was a true titan of sport, a one off who transcended horse racing.

Mike Tindall, husband of the Queen's grandchild Zara, is pictured watching the action from the Royal Box at Epsom Racecourse on Derby Day

A collection of jockeys, past and present, who have ridden for the Queen, wear her silks on the second day of the Epsom Derby, to welcome Princess Anne who has taken over Her Majesty's duties at Epsom today

Frankie Dettori, pictured centre, joins jockeys both past and present to welcome the Queen's daughter, Anne, Princess Royal, at Epsom Derby this afternoon

Jocket Tom Marquand rides Bashkirova to victory in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes of the second day of the Epsom Derby Festival on Saturday

'To this very day, the top answer to 'name a famous jockey', remains Lester Piggott.

'Enigmatic and reserved, it was on the track that he did his talking, with nine Derby wins amongst his 30 British Classics together with 11 Champion Jockey titles.'

Sir Michael Stoute was also quick to pay tribute to Piggott and says he will forever be grateful to Piggott for helping get his training career off the ground.

Piggott rode both an English and Irish Classic winner for the Newmarket trainer, who saddles the likely favourite Desert Crown in today's Cazoo Derby at Epsom. 

The Epsom Derby Day is the first of two big events for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee today, with the Platinum Party at the Palace taking place from 7pm onwards this evening. Princess Anne pictured in the Royal Box at Epsom this afternoon

Members of the royal family will be joining in at the star-studded concert this evening, which includes Diana Ross and George Ezra. Princess Anne is pictured alongside her husband Sir Tim Laurence on Saturday, where she is standing in for the Queen

Zara Tindall wore a blue floral dress complete with a blue fascinator at the Epsom Derby Day in Surrey with her husband, mother and brother this afternoon

Princess Anne, pictured centre, stands alongside her husband Sir Timothy Laurence, right, and her daughter Zara Tindall, left

Yesterday, Princess Anne visited penguins at Edinburgh Zoo as other members of the royal family toured the four nations of the UK for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

The Princess Royal joined children from Ukrainian orphanages for an animal handling session in the Rainforest Room at the zoo, before visiting the penguin enclosure.

She was joined by her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence on her trip to the Scottish capital on Friday afternoon.

While there, the 71-year-old royal also made a visit to HMS Albion where she was pictured cutting a special Jubilee cake with a ceremonial sword.

The Epsom Derby Day is the first of two big events for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee today, with the Platinum Party at the Palace taking place from 7pm onwards this evening.

Members of the royal family will be joining in at the star-studded concert, which includes Diana Ross and George Ezra.