Her Majesty the Queen’s diary is drawn up in outline eighteen months in advance, and in detail six months ahead. Every year six days are ring-fenced: the five days of Royal Ascot, and Derby day at Epsom.
In no other avenue of her life is the Queen as relaxed as on the racecourses of Britain. Her passion for the Turf is evident by her patronage of the great racing occasions, although the joy she derives from spending time with Thoroughbreds and the myriad human characters in the sport is less well documented.
In Her Majesty’s Pleasure, Julian Muscat goes behind the scenes with all the Queen’s men and a few more besides – among them Sir Peter O’Sullevan, Richard Hannon, Ian Balding and Alex Head, together with royal racing insiders John Warren and Sir Michael Oswald. They depict a sovereign completely in her element, whether cheering home one of her horses or visiting mares and goals in the tranquil surroundings of the Royal Studs. What emerges from their account is a monarch in thrall, yet one vividly described by Sir Peter O’Sullevan as a ‘very human being’ – witty, intelligent, profoundly knowledgeable, and above all, philosophical in the face of fickle fortune.
This beautifully illustrated volume narrates a comprehensive history of the Queen’s involvement with racing. Beyond that, its wealth of fresh anecdote and insight delivers a uniquely in-depth account of the Queen away from public duty – and indulging in Her Majesty’s pleasure.
Hardback.