Queen Arrives at Epsom Derby as Jubilee Weekend Kicks Off

by Tom Sykes Jun 2, 2012 8:50 AM EDT

Day at the races to kick off weekend's celebrations

The Queen and Prince Philip have arrived at the classic horserace the Derby, marking the start of an extended weekend of festivities to celebrate her 60-year reign.

145590496PM031_DIAMOND_JUBI — Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

The horse-loving Queen received an affectionate welcome from a crowd of about 125,000 racegoers as she was driven along the straight in a Rolls Royce and was met at the winning post.

Classical singer Katherine Jenkins - in a revealing, low-cut ball gown - sang the national anthem as the Queen and appreciative Prince Philip arrived and took her seat in the royal box.

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Tom Sykes is a writer and journalist, and he edits The Royalist blog for the Daily Beast. Tom has worked for many publications, including a stint as a nightlife reporter and gossip columnist for the New York Post. He has written several books, most recently helping John Taylor of Duran Duran write and edit his autobiography, published by Dutton. Tom lives in London and Ireland.

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About the Author

Tom Sykes

THE ROYALIST, updated several times daily, reports on all aspects of the British Royal Family. With breaking news and the latest gossip, great pictures and informed commentary, the Royalist is essential eyeballing for fans of the world’s most famous family.