Life in the slow lane! Smiling Prince Philip enjoys a leisurely carriage ride in Windsor as he settles into retired life
- Prince Philip headed out for a carriage ride in Home Park, Windsor on Monday
- Was joined by a female companion who took a seat in the rear of the carriage
- Philip has previously rode competively and has been seen taking his carriage out on several occasions following his retirement in August
Just a few months ago the Duke of Edinburgh was busying himself with regular public engagements.
But since stepping down from his duties the 96-year-old has enjoyed life in the slow lane, shunning public appearances in favour of personal hobbies.
And one pastime that Prince Philip seems to be particularly favour is taking a ride aboard his carriage in Home Park, Windsor.
Prince Philip appeared to be in high spirits as he took the reins on his horse and cart on Monday
Formerly a competitive carriage driver in the 1970s the royal had now problem taking the reins as he headed out on Monday.
While the Queen was presumably preoccupied with state duties the Duke did not head out alone and was joined by a companion.
Dressed in riding gear, waterproofs and a casual baseball cap the woman enjoyed conversation with His Majesty as she road in the rear of the carriage.
Joined by a cheerful female companion the 96-year-old royal headed out for a ride along the Thames in Home Park Windsor
Pulling the carriage were two black fell ponies, known to be a popular breed of horse among the royals
Meanwhile Philip took the front seat, seated on a cushion in order to make the journey a more comfortable experience.
The royal was wrapped up warm against the elements and looked cosy in a green jacket, hat and brown gloves.
Pulling the carriage were two black fell ponies, a popular breed among the royals with the Queen known to enjoy going out on hacks on the horse.
The high spirited pair took a ride along the banks of the River Thames in Home Park Windsor on Monday.
Both the prince and his companion wrapped up against the elements in waterproof coats and hats for their journey on Monday
In 1973 Philip took up the sport competitively so it comes as no surprise that it has become a regular hobby for him in his retirement
In 1973 Philip took up the sport competitively, representing Britain at several European and World Championships, so it comes as no surprise that it has become a regular hobby for him in his retirement.
Earlier this month the Daily Mail reported that Prince Philip has relocated to a cottage in Sandringham as his main base in his retirement.
Wood Farm is the spacious but modestly furnished cottage on the Sandringham estate that has previously acted as a bolthole from Palace formality for the Queen and Philip.
Philip is said to love it there and has made it his retirement base, reading, painting watercolours, writing letters and having friends to stay.
An old friend says: ‘He is enjoying reading things he’s always wanted to read and gets up to what he wants without an equerry telling him he has to be elsewhere, or a camera following him.’
The courtier continues: ‘The Queen feels the Duke has earned a proper retirement. She knows him too well — if he was still at the centre of royal life he’d feel he had to be involved. Being at Wood Farm means he’s not too far away, but far enough to be able to relax.’
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