Queen’s cheeky party skit as Zara Tindall gives update on her health

The Queen kicked off her Jubilee concert main event —Platinum Party at the Palace — with a cheeky skit from home, after other royals represented her at the races.

The Queen kicked off her Jubilee concert main event —Platinum Party at the Palace — by tapping her teacup along to Adam Lambert singing ‘We Will Rock You’.

The Monarch chatted with Paddington Bear as they tuned in remotely to see tens of thousands of spectators in a sea of Union Jack flags filled through the Mall.

In her two-and-a-minute sketch with Paddington Bear to start the concert, the Queen revealed what she keeps in her handbag: A marmalade sandwich.

“While the Queen may not be attending the concert in person, she was very keen that people understood how much it meant toher and that all those watching had a great time,” the spokesperson said, according to Sky News.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is seen on screen at the start of the Platinum Party at Buckingham Palace. Picture: AFP

Queen Elizabeth II and Paddington Bear having cream tea at Buckingham Palace, taken from a film that was shown at the BBC Platinum Party at the Palace. Picture: AFP

“There was an interest in the filming and animation process and the opportunity to invite a famous bear to tea was just toomuch fun to miss.”

Her granddaugher, Princess Zara Tindall, also said the Queen was enjoying the Platinum Jubilee celebrations at home in her “comfy clothes”.

Her Majesty, 96, alsostayed home to watch the Epsom Derby Day from Windsor Castle after experiencing mobility issues on Thursday.

While not at the major sporting event in person, the monarch was sent a souvenir race card to follow the action.

Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall during Cazoo Derby Day meeting at Epsom Racecourse, England. Picture: Leon Neal/Getty Images

And she is doing so in laid-back style, according to Princess Zara Tindall.

Giving an update on the Queen’s plans as the nation marks her momentous 70-year reign, the 41-year-old said: “She’ll just be sat on the sofa watching the TV. She’ll be in her comfy clothes.

“She has a few runners today dotted around the country, so she knows exactly what’s going on.”

Tindall arrived at the sold-out racecourse in Surrey alongside her former rugby player husband Mike just before 1pm Saturday, local time.

Zara Phillips, British broadcaster Clare Balding and Mike Tindall attend the second day of the Epsom Derby Festival horse racing meeting at Epsom Downs Racecourse. Picture: AFP

Dressed in blue, she walked with her mother Princess Anne and husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, as well as her brother Peter Phillips, as part of a procession.

Crowds cheered and waved union flags as they made their way in to the course, with Anne grinning from ear to ear.

Princess Anne, Princess Royal (L) and winning trainer of Desert Crown, Sir Michael Stoute (R) are seen at the presentation for the Derby. Picture: AFP

She appeared in the royal box while the national anthem was played by a live band.

Afterwards, the Princess Royal could be seen waving and laughing, while thanking those around her for a warm welcome.

Anne was later given a painting of Dunfermline, the Queen’s winner of The Oaks race in 1977, as a gift to the monarch, whom she was standing in for.

Her Majesty skipped yesterday’s Service of Thanksgiving after experiencing “discomfort” during Trooping the Colour on Thursday, before later pulling out of today’s Epsom Derby.

Peter, Zara and Mike could be seen on the balcony of the royal box during the second race of the day, though no celebrations took place after filly Bashkirova claimed victory.

Jockey Richard Kingscote (L) in the winner's enclosure with Desert Crown after victory in the Derby. Picture: AFP

The Jubilee festivities carried on in the Queen’s absence though, with 40 jockeys who have ridden for the owner-breeder donning the royal racing silks and forming a guard of honour before the national anthem was sung.

A racegoer wearing a Union flag tie and handkerchief attends the second day of the Epsom Derby Festival. Picture: AFP

Five of the monarch’s former racehorses were also paraded, and a selection of hats inspired by the seven decades of her reign were put on display.

Zara said: “Obviously, we’d love [the Queen] to be here, but it’s nice to be here.

“I’ve never been to Epsom before. It’s exciting. I need to go and explore.”

Cardboard cutouts depicting Queen Elizabeth II during two different periods of her reign are seen on the top of a decorated bus, as racegoers prepare for the days events in Epsom. Picture: Getty Images

Mike added: “The Queen is such a wonderful woman and I have said this numerous times, but in terms of how you want a leader to be, she is that person and someone who sets an example.

“It’s such a shame that she’s not here with us but I know she’ll be tuned in and watching from home.”

Originally published as Queen’s cheeky party skit as Zara Tindall gives update on her health