King embraced by Zara Tindall as he arrives at Royal Windsor Horse Show
The close bond between the King and his niece was clear – Andrew Matthews/PA Wire
The King was enveloped in a warm embrace by his niece Zara Tindall as he arrived at the Royal Windsor Horse Show on Friday.
The 75-year-old, who appeared delighted to be at the annual event, was welcomed with open arms following his return to public duties.
Mrs Tindall, 42, greeted the monarch with a hug, clearly relieved that he was on the mend and able to attend the show. The affectionate display showed the pair’s close relationship.
The King met his niece overlooking the Royal Windsor Endurance course, which takes riders along landmarks such as the famous Long Walk.
Among the royal group were Lord Soames, a long-time friend of the King who served as his equerry when he was the Prince of Wales, the comedian Rory Bremner, Jackie Stewart, the former racing driver, and Ben Wallace, the ex-defence secretary.
The King was also pictured chatting to Simon Brooks-Ward, the director of the Royal Windsor Horse Show, who knew the late Queen well.
Zara looked delighted to see her uncle at the annual horse show – James Whatling
The visit marked the monarch’s third public appearance this week following his return to public engagements in the wake of his cancer diagnosis.
It came three days after he met staff and patients at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre, when he spoke of his “shock” at his diagnosis and chatted to patients undergoing chemotherapy.
On Wednesday, he was presented with the Coronation Roll at Buckingham Palace, where he carefully examined the historic document with the Queen.
The King’s return to the royal front line came after doctors said they were pleased with the progress of his cancer treatment.
He now hopes to continue with a managed return to public duties, likely to include Buckingham Palace garden parties, Trooping the Colour and D-Day anniversary events, as well as hosting a state visit by the emperor and empress of Japan.
The King was in high spirits as he laughed and joked with officials – Andrew Matthews/PA Wire
The King’s busy week did not appear to have had an undue effect on his health. Undeterred by the inclement weather, he appeared in fine form as he chatted to officials under an umbrella.
The King is known to share a close bond with his sister’s only daughter, who is a former Olympian horse rider and a regular fixture at equestrian events.
The sight of Mrs Tindall is known to bring a warm smile to her uncle’s face and the pair’s Wednesday meeting overlooking the Royal Windsor Endurance course was no exception.
Their mutual fondness goes back years and may even be traced back to the King helping to choose her name, as previously revealed by the Princess Royal.
At family functions and social events such as Royal Ascot and Cheltenham, Mrs Tindall and the monarch are seen to be tactile and affectionate with each other, indicative of the natural bond between the two.
It may also stem from the Princess Royal’s close relationship with her brother, as she is known to be one of the King’s closest confidants and has been a stalwart support to him since he ascended the throne.
The Royal Windsor Horse Show encompasses a variety of equestrian sport, including the Land Rover International Carriage Driving Grand Prix, national and international show jumping competitions and equestrian displays.
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