Many thanks to Alan and Suzanne Whitewood for this update from Osborne House. Ed
As the nation keenly celebrated HM the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee somewhere in a parallel universe-well Osborne House actually – another Diamond Jubilee was being enacted.
Our Queen’s great, great grandmother Queen Victoria was present at Osborne House. After inspecting a guard of honour at the house she proceeded to the Cottage Meadow by horse drawn carriage and was attended by two of Prince Malik’s lancers, originally from Kashmir.
Excited crowds
Having alighted from the carriage and attended by Lady Sarah Churchill the “Queen” inspected a platoon of red coated troops. Meanwhile a police constable, who arrived by bicycle, was busy controlling the excited crowd.
At Cottage Meadow “her majesty” inspected the gathered troops of British Red Coats before returning to her carriage to watch displays by her troops.
From the carriage she was able to view a display of drill and other military procedures. Their performance ended with an example of firepower and later the “Queen” returned to the house before strolling around the grounds.
Lancer’s display
Back at Cottage Meadow three lancers gave an example of their riding ability by taking part in a display of tent pegging. This involved riding at speed and attempting to secure a tent peg on the end of their lance.
Troopers of the Imperial Indian Cavalry enforced the point that Queen Victoria was Empress of India and also ruled the British Empire at the time of her Jubilee.
Next into the arena were “Three Aside” – ladies riding sidesaddle. They took part in a Victorian Gymkhana, competing alongside Troopers dressed in the colourful uniforms of the British Cavalry.
At the end of each performance three cheers rang out for Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth 11.
