Andrew, Edward and Sophie take new roles at Royal Windsor Horse Show
The royal trio have become royal vice presidents of the annual event which takes place in Windsor each May.
The Duke of York and the Earl and Countess of Wessex have been given major new roles at one of the Queen’s favourite events, the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
The monarch’s two youngest sons, Andrew and Edward, and her daughter-in-law Sophie have been made royal vice presidents of the annual equestrian festival.
Sophie and her daughter Lady Louise Windsor will also be competing at carriage driving in the British Driving Society Class at the show this year.
The countess and 15-year-old Lady Louise are following in the footsteps of the Duke of Edinburgh, president of the show, as keen carriage drivers.
The Queen, patron of the event, and Philip usually attend the show which is held in the private grounds of Windsor Castle.
The show said Andrew, Edward and Sophie would play a significant part in the event which is being staged from May 8 to 12.
The royals were pictured together to mark their appointments with two of the Queen’s Highland Ponies, Lomond and Jubilee, which are taking part in the occasion’s Victorian Pageant this year.
Andrew has recently started riding again and will be on parade for the Trooping the Colour celebrations for the Queen’s official birthday in June as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards.
Edward also rides regularly in Windsor Home Park.
It is the first time in the 76-year history of the horse show that a trio of royal vice presidents has been appointed.
Simon Brooks-Ward, show director, said: “We are thrilled and honoured to announce our three royal vice presidents.
“Their active interest and participation in Britain’s largest horse show will be appreciated by all on the showground.”
