Queen Elizabeth giving up childhood pastime as health worsens

Queen Elizabeth is reported to be hanging up her riding gloves as her 96th birthday approaches, with Palace sources claiming that the monarch is ready to give up her favourite pastime of riding horses.

The Queen’s love of horses started young and she was often seen riding alongside late husband Prince Philip on Windsor Castle grounds.

However, royal expert Robert Hardman recently shared on Mail Plus podcast Palace Confidential: “I don't think we will see her on her fell pony again.”

Mail on Sunday editor Charlotte Griffiths chimed in, saying that the possibility of Queen Elizabeth giving up riding is a ‘major moment’.

Commenting on the same, Hardman added: “I can't think of many other people approaching their 96th birthday getting on a horse.”

The Queen was last seen on a horse during her summer holiday at Balmoral. She was then forced to give it up until spring over health concerns.

At the time, a Balmoral source was quoted by The Sun saying: “She was in quite a bit of discomfort. She adores riding and it has been a part of her ritual for most of her life.”